The threat from hypersonic missiles is one of America's most serious aerial threats. These missiles, which can travel at speeds up to five times the speed of sound, can outrun most missile defenses. Lasers can be used to disable these missiles so they don't reach their target.
Lasers are the ultimate weapon to defeat hypersonic missiles. Their light speed means that they don't lose their momentum and can fire at lightning speed. They can also strike targets thousands of kilometres away. These lasers can be used to defend against unpredicted weapons such as drones. Low-powered lasers may be able to confuse drones' optical sensors but high-powered lasers are capable of burning them up. They do not require ammunition, unlike traditional missiles.
Lockheed Martin and Rolls Royce developed a 100-kilowatt system to destroy cruise missiles while in flight. This system is currently being tested at the Porton Down defense laboratories. It is also being tested on a few destroyers. The Navy is hoping to have its own tactical weapon laser within the next few decades. A new report indicates that small particles suspended in the clouds can be used to defend against hypersonic threats.
The Pentagon has started developing directed energy technology, which will be used to counter hypersonic weapons. The Missile Defense Agency will supervise the entire process. Michael Griffin, undersecretary at the Missile Defense Agency for research and technology, anticipates that future budgets would include funding for laser tech.
An important component of a laser weapon's effectiveness is its ability to overcome the effects from atmospheric disturbances. The atmosphere can also affect the propagation and temperature gradients of the beam. A cold stream could make it difficult for a laser beam to reach a target. To overcome this problem, the beam must be stabilized. LLD's beam control system uses adaptive optics to keep the laser beam on target. These techniques will allow the laser to keep its focus even in adverse atmospheric conditions.
Another great feature of a Laser is that it does not explode when it hits a target. A laser, unlike conventional missiles can reach targets thousands of kilometers away and can fire thousands of shots. The laser's power can destroy a hypersonic weapon before it reaches its target.
According to the Pentagon, it could take a 1 megawatt laser to destroy a hypersonic missile. Because hypersonic missiles travel so fast, it is necessary to target them accurately. Pentagon is investigating ways to create a laser capable in destroying these hypersonic weapons.
While the Pentagon has decided not to continue researching specialized gun-launched guided projectiles, the Pentagon is betting on laser defense technology. Lasers have been demonstrated to be more accurate than rail guns. That's because a laser doesn't lose velocity or intensity over distance.
At the end of FY24, four prototypes of lasers will be available for testing. The Airborne High Energy Laser (AHL) will be integrated into the AC-130J Ghostrider gunship. It's expected that the Navy will add this weapon to its arsenal of missile defenses. Meanwhile, the Army's Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense is being considered as a counter to hypersonic missiles.