U.S. Air Force Deploys Laser Weapons Overseas

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Reference News Network reported on August 8 According to the U.S. Axios news website on August 5, the U.S. Air Force has recently deployed laser weapons overseas to assist in combating drones.

The use of directed energy weapons, whether lasers, microwaves, or a combination of both, is still relatively rare.

On July 22, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa stated that they are using the "Compact Laser Weapon System" (CLWS) "throughout the theater" rather than "in isolation," but declined to disclose specific locations for "operational security reasons." It is reported that the CLWS is manufactured by Boeing.

U.S. Air Force Colonel Victoria Habas said in a statement, "Modern threats have broken the concept of a safe haven; low-cost and adaptable drone technology may pose risks to any facility or operational location." (Translated by Li Sha)

Classification
Region
Europe, Africa
Analytical Domain
Operational
Primary Category / Secondary Categories
Weapons & Equipment / Military Operations
Subcategory
New Weapon System
SALUTE Report
Size
Not specified
Activity
Deployment of laser weapons to assist in countering drones
Location
Europe · Africa
Unit
U.S. Air Force
Time
Recent (August 2023)
Equipment
Compact Laser Weapon System (CLWS)
Summary

The U.S. Air Force has deployed laser weapons overseas to assist in countering drone threats. This deployment includes the use of the Compact Laser Weapon System (CLWS), which is manufactured by Boeing. The Air Force has indicated that these systems are being used across various theaters in Europe and Africa, although specific locations remain undisclosed for security reasons.

Key Facts
  • U.S. Air Force deployed laser weapons overseas to counter drones.
  • The Compact Laser Weapon System (CLWS) is manufactured by Boeing.
  • Deployment is part of a broader strategy to address modern threats from drones.
  • Specific locations of deployment were not disclosed for operational security.