"Star Wars" Today: As a laser weapon turns science fiction into reality

Once laser weapons were only a faceted science fiction, but now it becomes a reality on the battlefield: military states around the world seek to launch high -energy laser weapons. Focus has translated the article of the journalist Shubhanga Plweh for the edition of The Eurasian Times, about how different countries are developing laser installations against drones and missiles, which pose an increasing threat.

Israel, involved in a conflict on several fronts, has announced progress in the development of its long -awaited powerful laser interception system known as Iron Beam. The Iron Beam system, which is expected, will be put into operation during the year, designed to work in conjunction with the Iron Dome and specifically designed to identify smaller objects.

When signing a contract worth $ 535 million with defensive contractors Rafael and Elbit, the CEO of the Ministry of Defense Eyal said: "It is expected that the first combat readiness of the land laser system will be reached in a year. " According to the Ministry's statement, the agreement is aimed at "significant acceleration" of production, guaranteeing timely delivery of high productivity laser systems.

Experts believe that laser anti-rocket defense can be a much cheaper alternative to Israeli-interceptors that are now used to dispose of enemy rockets and drones. Using energy instead of intercepting physical means to destroy goals, laser systems promise a significant cost savings. For example, while missiles launched in gas -based groups cost less than $ 1,000 each, Tamir's interceptor for the Iron Dome costs about $ 50,000, and the cost of one Patriot missile can reach $ 3 million.

Instead, the former Prime Minister of Israel Naftali Bennett reported that the interception with the help of an "iron beam" will only cost 2 dollars, which will allow any number of attacks at low costs. In April, the US Army reported that it had two high -energy laser weapons (not disclosed) abroad to protect US troops and allies from enemy drones. It is the first known deployment of a directional energy for air defense in the history of the US Armed Forces.

According to the Company's Prescrilism, the P-Hel system, developed on the basis of the LACust Laser Bluehalo weapons system, began to be operated abroad in November 2022, and the second system arrived "early this year". In May, the UK Ministry of Defense (MO) announced a successful Dragonfire test, its first laser weapon. The trials in January at the Habrid landfill in Scotland demonstrated the accuracy of the laser, which struck the coin from a kilometer distance.

This powerful laser system, capable of disposal of drones, is an economically advantageous alternative to ordinary rockets. Although the Defense Ministry did not reveal the maximum range of weapons, it noted that Dragonfire could "affect any visible target. " The system will be deployed on the ships of the royal fleet by 2027, five years earlier. Star Wars Project (Star Wars Project "is intended to transform defense with laser weapons designed to fight drones and rockets.

The Block-I laser system can accurately affect small drones and multi-digiters at close range, according to the management of the South Korean defense procurement program (DAPA). Prescribe does not indicate the cost of weapons production, but it is stated that each shot will cost about 2000 Won or only $ 1. 50.

Against the backdrop of growing tensions in relations with North Korea and frequent invasions, South Korea plans to establish a mass production of low -cost laser weapons, which cannot be identified and developed in partnership with Hanwha Aerospace to counteract threats from the north.

In order not to keep up, the organization of defense research and development of India (DRDO) also makes significant progress in laser weapons technology, developing systems such as Durga II and Kali lasers for both tactical and strategic use. These achievements are aimed at improving the capabilities of anti -missile and antibilitated defense, which is in line with the world trends in the field of weapons of energy.

Countries around the world are increasingly aware of the potential of weapons of directional energy (ONE) and launch various projects for the development of advanced laser systems. Let's first understand what is meant by laser weapons and how it works. The high -energy laser is essentially a large stationary energy production system equipped with a directional energy grate above.

Developed for stationary rather than mobile defense, it intercepts and neutralizes drones and approaching missiles with a focused ray of high -energy photons. The system works on a simple principle: it generates a considerable amount of energy for the excitation of photons, which then direct to a specific purpose, heating the concentrated area of ​​the drone or rocket until it is inflamed. The process is almost silent, and the energy ray is invisible.

The only visual sign of the lesion is the sparks and flames that rush out of the target. Laser weapons use this directional energy to disconnect or destroy targets using concentrated light rays. It is interesting that the concept of using lasers for defense purposes is not new, their potential has been recognized many years earlier, but until recently they have not been widely implemented in practical applications.

According to Karmark Research Platform, laser weapons market can increase annually at 13. 1% from 2024 to 2031. This growth is due to the constant development of laser technologies, including increasing range, initial power and integration with available military systems. The key trends that determine the development of the market include the development of portable laser systems, the study of high -energy laser platforms and an increase in state funding for directional energy research.

The main players in the laser weapon market are Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Raytheon Company, Boeing Company, RheinMetall AG and Thales. The market serves various applications, including defense, war and internal security. There are different types of laser weapons, including fiber -optic laser weapons, in which optical fibers are used to create powerful bundles, it is known for its efficiency and compactness.

There is also a gas laser weapon that uses gas mixtures to create powerful rays, and they often require larger installations. In solid -state laser weapons use solid reinforcing materials for reliable work and high quality of the beam of rays. In semiconductor laser weapons use light semiconductor materials to reduce the size and integration into different platforms.

In general, laser weapons market prospects are promising, which is due to increasing attention to the modernization of defense and demand for modern weapons to counteract changing threats. According to the report of the Congress Research Service for 2023 on US Energy Weapons Programs (DEW), high -energy lasers, if successfully developed, can be very effective for the tasks of aircraft of the near radius, counteraction to helicopters and planes that fly low and aircraft and planes flying.

Also intercepting rockets, drones, artillery shells and mining. With sufficient power, a continuous laser beam can also neutralize quickly moving, protected threats, such as winged and, potentially, even ballistic missiles. Laser weapons have attracted considerable attention due to its potential military use. It offers advantages such as the accuracy of guidance, reduction of concomitant damage and lower operating costs than traditional ammunition.

These systems increase military efficiency in defense, causing accurate strikes with minimal risk to the surrounding areas. In the war, they provide extended opportunities for the interception of missiles and drones, responding to modern combat strategies and acting as an economically effective alternative to expensive missile systems. Defense manufacturers are increasing efforts to develop economically efficient high -energy laser weapons.

Famous worldwide defense contractors, including RTX (USA), Qinetiq (United Kingdom) and MBDA (Europe), invest considerable funds in advanced technologies. Despite the promises of laser weapons, problems remain. According to Paul Gray, the head of the Advanced Weapons business development department, the need for accurate guidance and the ability to keep a focused laser on a target for several seconds are significant obstacles.

Races for the deployment of cost -effective laser systems are becoming increasingly important as countries face the growing spread of low -cost drones and missiles. As the sky is filled with increasing number of drones and the threat of missile attacks increases, laser weapons becomes the most important component of a modern military strategy. The laser war era is not approaching - it has come.

As these systems become more complex and widespread, they override the boundaries between scientific fiction and military reality, one photograph at a time. As laser technologies continue to develop, and countries are increasing efforts to integrate these systems into their military arsenals, laser weapons are ready to play a key role in today's war. Shubhangi Palve is a journalist who writes on defense and aerospace. Before coming to Eurasian Times, she worked at Et Prime.