The Navy is going to sea for the first time with a laser weapon capable of destroying enemy patrol boats and disabling enemy surveillance drones.
This laser will be deployed on a docking ship in the Persian Gulf, where Iranian attack boats have harassed American warships recently. Also near the area, the government of Tehran has began building surveillance pods and rockets.
Though the laser will not be operational until sometime next year, the Navy's announcement seemed to act as a warning to Iran not to step up activity in the gulf anytime soon; the Navy even released a video of the
laser burning through a drone during testing.
While the Pentagon has a record of over exaggerating the importance of their new technology, it was stated that, "Equipping Navy surface ships with lasers could lead to changes in naval tactics, ship design, and procurement plans for ship-based weapons, bringing about a technological shift for the Navy - a 'game changer.'" Without doubt, the new high-energy laser represents a more cost-effective way of countering air and ballistic missiles. The laser weapon is sustainable, and comes with a limitless supply of ammunition so long as the ship it's on continues to generate electricity.
However, the laser does come with certain limitations. Because it is a "line of sight" weapon, the enemy target must be visible, which is hard considering how enemy ships could potentially be coated with reflective or disguised surfaces.
Now that Iran has stated that it is developing a fleet of drones to match the capabilities of those flown by American pilots - for surveillance and attack - is the new laser weapon a good investment?
Questions: What do you think of the Navy's new laser weapon? Do you think it will be effective, especially given its weaknesses? Does the laser have stronger strengths (costliness) or weaknesses ("line of sight weapon")? Is the new laser weapon really a game-changer in the field of Navy technology?
2 comments:
I am somewhat skeptical to believe this Laser Weapon Technology will be a complete game changer right now. I think that later on, when the kinks are worked out and the idea is further developed, there is potential for this to be a game changer in naval warfare. However, this new technology reminds me all too much of the new technology introduced in the Cold War. Based on this finding, the new laser weapon seems to be a response to Iran's claim that they are increasing their military. It is interesting that the enemy has to be visible before firing. I would imagine that by the time one ship see's another, they've already preparing their weapons. I wonder how useful laser weapons would be at that time. Also, I believe that ships are detectable on the radars, so I am curious to understand what this new laser weapon is actually contributing to submarine warfare. The capabilities of the laser power is somewhat alarming. The endless supply of ammunition is a neat addition, until another country figures out how to have an endless supply of ammunition too. Then we will have to ships firing at each other with an endless supply of ammunition. I appreciate the hard work that people have put into creating such weaponry; I can only imagine the kind of skills and knowledge needed to create something of this magnitude. I am curious to see media reaction and spin on this new development.
Similar to what Sam said, I feel like the new laser technology is a huge stepping stone, but in its current state will not be a game changer. If the laser had been invented before most major countries had radar, long range missiles, and concealing/stealth vessels, then this new laser technology would have been monumental and cemented naval superiority. However, it is hard for me to think of the laser technology in its current state as being extremely effective. That being said, if the navy can develop the laser so that it can shoot under the water (Against submarines) and shoot down incoming missiles, then I think the laser technology could give the navy a huge edge over enemies. Again, the laser technology is certainly significant in the development of our weapon technology, but I think further advancements have to be made before such lasers will truly become "game-changers"
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