Many countries are exploring the possibility of using lasers to shoot down drones. Many military branches are trying desperately to find a solution. Over the past decade, unmanned aerial vehicles that are privately owned have been more efficient. These unmanned aerial vehicles are a perfect target for both civilians and the U.S military because of their low cost and ease-of-use.
The United States Navy performed numerous tests of its laser weapon collection. The Laser Weapon system, which is intended to destroy vessels and shoot down unmanned drones, will be installed permanently on the USS Ponce during the next financial year. The Laser Weapon System is intended to be more cost-effective, less dangerous to the environment, and lower in harm than traditional weapons. It can also be used to deter potential attackers. It can also assess battle damage.
An electric laser was used in one of the recent tests. The device was used in a New Mexico test to disable a drone. The drone was traveling at 300 mph. The laser effector, which contains high-precision tracking technology, concentrated energy into a single laser beam. The laser beam was invisible to the naked eye and successfully disarmed the drone. It opened a parachute while it fell.
A high-powered laser was also tested and was built to fit on a Cessna Grand Caravan. The device was intended to eliminate targets within a radius of one kilometer. The laser was also tested on a German test site and proved to be capable of disabling small drones. It was also effective in shooting down subsonic cruise missiles.
The laser effector used for the test was actually built by MBDA Deutschland, an aerospace contractor and missile manufacturer. The company has designed several guided missile systems, and its high-energy laser was tested on a small drone. The laser disarmed the drone and was demonstrated for the first time. It also proved to be useful in shooting down other UAVs. The laser effector can be used on a variety aircraft and should be fully functional within three to four year.
Lockheed Martin is currently testing Layered Laser Defense (LLD), a system that can be used to shoot down unmanned aerial vehicles and drones. Six solid-state lasers of 32 kilowatts each are used in the system. The system is capable of destroying a variety targets, including drones, fast attack boats, mortars and other drones. It is also capable of disabling sensors. This is an impossible feat with conventional weapons. The system has been designed to be fully electric, and it doesn't require dangerous propellants, making it safe to operate.
Multiple militaries have started to test different types of laser weaponry. Israeli Defense Ministry recently conducted a test of a high-powered laser weapon system. The US Navy conducted similar tests in the past, but the chemical-based laser technologies weren't transferred to the fleet.