US Military Develops 500kW Laser Weapon Targeting Cruise Missiles, Drone Swarms

The U.S. military is accelerating the development of high-energy laser weapons, aiming to intercept cruise missiles and drones at a lower cost. The Department of Defense has initiated a new generation 500-kilowatt (kW) laser weapon system research and development program.

The goal is to create new air defense capabilities, more powerful than existing systems, to address the increasing aerial threats on future battlefields. The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded the "Joint Laser Weapons System" (JLWS) development contract to Aculight and nLIGHT Defense, subsidiaries of Lockheed Martin.

The program will initially develop a prototype system of approximately 150 kW, with plans to gradually increase its power to 300 kW and then 500 kW. These systems can be deployed on land bases or naval vessels as needed. The initial funding for the entire project is around $86 million (approximately NT$2.76 billion), with the total value potentially reaching up to $847 million (approximately NT$27.2 billion) if all subsequent options are exercised, indicating continued U.S. military investment in high-energy laser technology.

The conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have highlighted the challenge posed by large numbers of low-cost drones and cruise missiles to existing air defense systems. Compared to expensive air defense missiles, high-energy lasers offer advantages such as rapid reaction times, continuous firing capability, and low per-interception costs. This makes them a significant development direction for reducing air defense expenses.

While the U.S. military has tested various 60-150 kW laser weapons primarily for countering drones, small boats, and mortar shells, the planned 500 kW system is considered a crucial milestone toward intercepting cruise missiles. However, high-energy lasers still face challenges related to power supply, heat dissipation, and adverse weather conditions. Consequently, the technology remains in the research and prototype verification stage, with further testing and validation required before formal deployment.