Story perspectives

High-Energy Lasers: Cost-Effective Defense Against Drone Threats

3/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

High-energy lasers are gaining attention as a cost-effective defense against Iranian drones and missiles in the Middle East, with U.S. President Donald Trump saying they could replace expensive interceptors at about $3.50 per shot.
Experts warn that scaling this technology will take years due to power-generation and integration challenges.
The Pentagon is expanding layered air defenses to counter drone swarms, applying lessons learned from Ukraine's drone warfare experience.

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Story summary

High-energy lasers are gaining attention as a cost-effective defense against Iranian drones and missiles in the Middle East, with U.S. President Donald Trump saying they could replace expensive interceptors at about $3.50 per shot.
Experts warn that scaling this technology will take years due to power-generation and integration challenges.
The Pentagon is expanding layered air defenses to counter drone swarms, applying lessons learned from Ukraine's drone warfare experience.