8 sources · first reported 22h ago

The Pentagon has awarded contracts for the development of laser weapons to counter drone swarms and cruise missiles. The contracts are part of the Department of Defense's efforts to develop directed energy systems. The awarded companies will work on developing high-energy laser systems, including a 500-kW system for cruise missile defense.
The development of laser weapons is significant for the US military as it provides a high-speed, low-cost solution for countering aerial threats. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the way the military defends against drone swarms and cruise missiles.
How this story unfolded across sources, oldest first.