Amid the growing threat from inexpensive Iranian Shahed drones, the U.S. military is actively exploring innovative, cost-effective solutions for neutralizing this emerging menace. Recently, a drone attack resulted in the tragic death of six U.S. service members stationed in Kuwait, underscoring the urgency of the situation. The drones, costing as little as $20,000 each, pose a significant challenge, as the military is currently deploying interceptors priced in the millions to shoot them down.
As military resources are stretched thin, a potential solution is emerging in the form of laser technology. Still in its experimental phase, laser systems could revolutionize drone defense due to their lower operational costs—estimated at just a few dollars per shot. Wahid Nawabi, CEO of American defense contractor AeroVironment, highlighted how this technology could alter the economic landscape of drone warfare: “It changes the economics on how we can actually defeat and defend against these targets that are now being deployed and produced by tens of thousands.”
What to Know About Iran’s Drones
Iranian drones are becoming a substantial drain on U.S. military stockpiles, posing a direct threat to vital regions like the Strait of Hormuz. Propaganda videos released by the Islamic Republic display the widespread use of its drone arsenal against Gulf states, attacking everything from residential buildings to oil refineries. These drones are not only increasing in speed and strength but are also capable of operating in swarms, making their low cost an even more alarming threat. Constructed from lightweight, inexpensive materials, they can be produced rapidly and in large quantities.
The U.S. and its allies have largely resorted to costly missile interceptors to neutralize these threats. Reports indicate that just days into ongoing confrontations, countries in the Persian Gulf were already facing shortages of missile interceptors designed to counter Iranian drones. Former President Trump has even commented on the U.S. munitions stockpiles, asserting, “We have a virtually unlimited supply of these weapons.” Nevertheless, the stark reality is that current military resources are being stretched as the demand continues to increase.
How Lasers Work
The interest in laser technology has piqued the curiosity of military leaders, including former President Trump, who labeled the potential applications as “incredible.” Lasers can mimic the effectiveness of traditional Patriot missile systems, but at a fraction of the cost. The U.S. has pursued laser weaponry for years, with AeroVironment developing systems like Locust, which combines batteries and a cooling mechanism with cutting-edge targeting technology. This system is capable of tracking enemy drones up to seven miles away using a common X-Box controller for ease of operation.
Once the laser system locks onto a target, it can engage the drone when it’s still a few miles away. The laser beam, traveling at the speed of light, can effectively disable the drone by melting through its structure. Although AeroVironment’s Locust system has been deployed against Iranian Shahed drones in various operational theaters, specifics regarding these applications remain classified.
While AeroVironment leads in this innovative space, significant competition exists from prominent players like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. Countries such as Israel are developing systems like the Iron Beam, part of its advanced Iron Dome defense network, while Ukraine and China are also actively working on similar technologies.
How Soon Can Lasers Make a Difference in the War with Iran?
For laser systems to be effectively integrated into the conflict with Iran, certain authorizations from the Pentagon and State Department would be necessary, given the national security implications involved. Nawabi points out a clear challenge: “There’s a chicken-and-egg thing in here. So far, we’ve only been authorized to provide this to the U.S. military.” He underscores the difficulty of investing in large-scale production without the guarantee of government contracts.
Even if decisions were made to accelerate production, scaling up manufacturing operations could take months. Experts like Mara Karlin, who held key positions in both Democratic and Republican administrations, note that the U.S. military was originally equipped to counter missile threats rather than drone strikes targeting more vulnerable spots.
She cautioned against seeking a “one magic solution” for combating Iran’s drone arsenal. “That’s kind of the history of warfare,” Karlin explained. “You find multiple ways to counter different challenges, and then your enemy either catches up or develops a counter to that counter.”
Critics Question Lasers’ Usability
While some experts see value in integrating laser technology into military operations, concerns linger over their readiness and operational effectiveness. Critiques focus on various variables, such as performance accuracy, weight, and how the laser systems will perform under specific weather conditions, especially rain or humidity.
However, Garrity argues, “Now when you’re talking about ‘does the system operate in rain?’ well traditionally drones aren’t flying in the rain.” He adds that Locust has not required operational downtime due to adverse weather conditions.
Following deployments along the U.S. border, concerns were raised by the FAA regarding the potential impact of laser use on commercial aviation. Nawabi asserts that the laser systems are designed with safety mechanisms to prevent unintended harm to aircraft, ensuring that if a laser beam were to inadvertently strike a plane, it wouldn’t cause catastrophic failure.