Tactical laser weapons – Systems and technology in development

Laser weapons and accompanying technologies are today studied and developed focussing on tactical applications. The technology leading nation is USA and several programs aiming to develop tactical laser weapons are supported. The focus has rapidly shifted from systems using large chemical lasers to system utilising electric energy i.e. employment of diode pumped solid-state and fibre lasers. Today the goal is to develop a laser weapon system which can generate 100 kW or more in average power using electrical energy. Future platforms using a tactical laser weapons might include a vehicles, larger aircrafts, vessels or tactical fighters. Tactical laser weapons are considered to be a part of future battle systems having the potential to alter military capabilities. Applications of interest could be force protection, protection of naval platforms against asymmetric threats, ground based air defence against rockets and grenades and airborne light weight platforms. This report contains a review of tactical laser weapon systems in development. Critical technologies, phenomena affecting performance and laser lethality effects are briefly discussed. Recommendations and continued activities within this area are proposed.