US Army deploys laser weapons in Strait of Hormuz

The United States Army is deploying laser weapons in the Strait of Hormuz to intercept Iranian drones and cruise missiles. These directed energy systems offer a significantly lower cost per engagement compared to traditional kinetic interceptors like missiles.

The technology works by concentrating light particles into a beam that heats a target until it melts or explodes. According to Mark Neice, president of Directed Energy Consultants, the systems allow operators to track and target specific components of a drone to disable its sensors or destroy the unit entirely.

A notable feature of these systems is the use of modified Xbox controllers for operation, leveraging existing gaming industry interfaces rather than developing new hardware. This technology is also being tested along the southern border of the United States.