Many countries are investigating the possibility to shoot down drones using lasers. Multiple military branches are trying hard to find a way to defeat this increasing threat. Privately owned unmanned aerial vehicles have become increasingly capable over the past decade. Their low cost and ease of use make them ideal targets for the U.S. military and civilians alike.
The United States Navy carried out several tests with its laser weapons portfolio. The Laser Weapon system, which is intended to destroy vessels and shoot down unmanned drones, will be installed permanently on the USS Ponce during the next financial year. The Laser Weapon System is intended to be more cost-effective, less dangerous to the environment, and lower in harm than traditional weapons. It can also serve as a non-lethal weapon of deterrent. It is capable of performing battle damage assessment.
One of the latest tests was done with an electric laser. The device was tested at a test site in New Mexico, and was used to disable a drone. The drone flew at speeds of 300 miles an hour. Laser effector is a high-precision tracking device that concentrates energy into one laser beam. The laser beam was invisible to the naked eye and successfully disarmed the drone. It opened a parachute while it fell.
Tests of a high-powered, laser system were also conducted. It was developed to be fitted on a Cessna Grand Caravan airplane. The device was intended to eliminate targets within a radius of one kilometer. The laser was also tested on a German test site and proved to be capable of disabling small drones. It also proved to be capable of shooting down a subsonic missile cruiser.
The laser effector used in the test was actually created by MBDA Deutschland (an aerospace and missile contractor). The company has designed several guided missile systems, and its high-energy laser was tested on a small drone. It was the first demonstration of its effectiveness and was successful in disabling the drone. It was also proven to be efficient at shooting down other UAVs. The laser effector is expected be used on several aircraft and will be fully functional in 3 to 4 years.
Lockheed Martin has also been testing Layered Laser Defense. This system can be used for shooting down drones and unmanned aerial vessels. The system uses six solid-state lasers with an output of 32 kilowatts. This system is expected effective against a range of targets, including fast attack ships, mortars, drones, and other types of weapons. It is also said to be effective at disabling sensors, a feat that is believed to be impossible to do using conventional weapons. The system was designed to be completely electric and doesn’t require dangerous propellants. It is therefore safe to use.
Multiple militaries have started to test different types of laser weaponry. Israeli Defense Ministry recently tested a high-powered, laser system. Although similar tests have been conducted in the US Navy's past, no chemical-based laser technologies were ever transferred to the fleet.