Laser weapon
A laser weapon is a type of directed-energy weapon (DEW) that uses lasers to inflict damage. Laser weapons are of two types: low-power laser dazzlers that blind optical systems or human eyes, and high-power lasers that can physically damage or destroy targets, such as enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles.
One of the major issues with laser weapons is atmospheric thermal blooming, which is still largely unsolved. This issue is exacerbated when there is fog, smoke, dust, rain, snow, smog, foam, or purposely dispersed obscurant chemicals present. In essence, a laser generates a beam of light that requires clear air or a vacuum to operate.
Low-power lasers have the potential to serve as non-lethal weapons. They can cause temporary or permanent vision loss. The extent, nature, and duration of visual impairment depend on factors including the laser's power, wavelength(s), beam collimation and orientation, and duration of exposure. Lasers with a power output of less than one watt can cause permanent vision loss. The Protocol on Blinding Laser Weapons bans weapons designed to cause permanent blindness. Weapons designed to cause temporary blindness, known as dazzlers, are in a separate category. Multiple incidents of pilots exposed to lasers while flying have been recorded.
High-power laser weapons capable of damaging or destroying a target are experimental as of 2026. The use of laser-beam weaponry to destroy aerial targets has been under development for years. The United States Navy tested short-range (1 mile), 30-kW Laser Weapon System or LaWS for use against targets such as small UAVs, rocket-propelled grenades, and visible motorboat or helicopter engines. A 60 kW system, HELIOS, was under development for destroyer-class ships as of 2020. India's DRDO successfully tested a 30 kW DEW, designated Mk-II (A) DEW, in April 2025 which could disable drones at a range of 5 km.