US invests $500 million in combat lasers

The US is investing $500 million in combat lasers, which are already being used against drones near the Strait of Hormuz and at the Mexican border, according to the New York Post. At the southern border, these systems have shot down at least 11 drones used by drug cartels. Work is also underway to adapt the technology against cruise missiles.

Mark Neice, head of Directed Energy Consultants, whose company works with the Pentagon, says the laser is precisely targeted to disable sensors or the drone itself. A single shot is cheaper than a missile, but the system requires clear weather and stable power. Capabilities against large drone swarms remain limited for now.