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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Conflict & Security

Drone War Escalates Globally as US and Europe Race to Develop Laser and Anti-Drone Systems

From Republika · (1d ago) Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The US and European nations are accelerating the development of anti-drone technologies, including high-energy lasers, to counter the growing threat of low-cost, mass-attack drones.
  • The Pentagon is collaborating with the FAA on deploying laser systems for domestic airspace, following extensive safety evaluations.
  • Despite optimism, challenges remain, including past incidents of misdirected lasers, highlighting the need for continued testing and safety assurance.

The global security landscape is rapidly evolving, with nations like the United States and those in Europe investing heavily in advanced anti-drone systems. The proliferation of small, inexpensive drones capable of coordinated mass attacks has rendered traditional air defense strategies insufficient, prompting a race to develop next-generation countermeasures.

After going through a thorough and data-driven safety risk assessment, we concluded that this system does not pose an increased risk to the air transport user community.

— US aviation authorityRegarding the safety evaluation of high-energy laser systems for anti-drone purposes.

In the US, the Pentagon and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are at the forefront of this technological push, exploring the use of high-energy laser systems. These systems are seen as a potentially cost-effective and efficient means of neutralizing drone threats. Extensive safety trials have been conducted, with authorities deeming the technology safe for specific operational conditions, aiming to integrate it into domestic airspace defense.

However, the path to widespread deployment is not without its hurdles. Past incidents, such as accidental targeting of friendly drones, have raised concerns and led to temporary airspace closures. These events underscore the critical importance of rigorous testing and robust safety protocols to prevent unintended consequences and ensure public safety. The US military remains committed to refining these systems, gathering crucial data to address safety concerns raised by the FAA while enhancing their effectiveness.

These incidents highlight serious failures in the process that exposed the air transport user community to unacceptable safety risks.

— US senatorCommenting on past incidents where laser systems misfired during testing.

Across the Atlantic, Europe is also actively engaged in this technological arms race. The UK, for instance, is advancing its 'DragonFire' laser system, which promises significantly lower operational costs compared to traditional missile defenses. This international effort highlights a shared recognition of the evolving nature of warfare and the urgent need for innovative solutions to counter the ubiquitous drone threat.

Future activities will specifically address safety concerns from the FAA while collecting data.

— Pentagon spokespersonDescribing upcoming tests for laser anti-drone technology.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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