US tests laser weapons that harness energy to blast drones from sky

The US army has tested laser weapons that use directed energy to blast drones from the sky.

American troops at Fort Sill, in Oklahoma, used the armoured transport-mounted directed energy (DE) to strike at drones in the sky. The "first of its kind" exercisepitted prototype DE weapons, including a Directed Energy Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD) system, against a swarm of unmanned aircraft systems.

The Army's pursuit of DE weapons for air defence stretches back decades, initially focused on strategic missile defence. However, the recent proliferation of inexpensive and readily available drones has shifted the focus to short-range air defence, where lasers and high-powered microwaves offer a potentially game-changing advantage.

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The US Army said: "This exercise provided a real-world test of the complementary nature of DE and kinetic systems, exploring how they can work together to create a more robust and resilient defence. Col. Steven D. Gutierrez, RCCTO Project Manager for Directed Energy, emphasised the ground-breaking nature of the exercise. “This live-fire exercise is the first of its kind.

"Now, that we have delivered directed energy capabilities to the Army we are developing and maturing the domains of policy, doctrine, organisation, training, and personnel to employ the capability optimally."

A US Army spokesperson said: "This exercise represents a crucial step forward, paving the way for a more agile and lethal force ready to meet the evolving challenges of modern warfare."

The move comes as Congress moved one step closer to passing President Donald Trump's controversial "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" with $150 billion being funnelled away in funding for the military. Part of this provision is expected to go toward shipbuilding as well as the Golden Dome homeland defence project.

The project, modelled on Israel's successful Iron Dome, has not yet been fully defined with critics claiming the Iron Dome is successful as it protects only a small piece of territory compared to the US landmass. But many supporters of the President believe the cost is justified as it will protect the US from any threats from North Korea, China and Russia.

Mr Trump previously hailed the project, and admitted it would cost billions of dollars. Speaking in May, he said: "It was called the Iron Dome, but I changed it to the Golden Dome. I thought it was a little more beautiful."

The Republican has been keen to emphasise the strength of the US military, telling troops: "We won World War II, and we are now stronger than ever. We want to build a 'golden dome' to protect our skies. We will build the F-47 fighter jet and develop the F-35 fighters."