U.S. Space Force adds laser defenses to Cape Canaveral

The U.S. Space Force is implementing a directed-energy laser weapon to enhance counter-drone defenses at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Col. Brian Chatman, commander of Space Launch Delta 45, stated the laser is intended to provide a “kinetic kill” against drones entering restricted airspace with hostile intent.

The new laser system is designed to address limitations of existing radio-frequency jammers, which can potentially disrupt the electronics of rockets and spacecraft on launch pads. By using a laser, the military can destroy drones without flooding the area with radio energy.

The defense upgrade follows reports from Port Canaveral of more than 500 drone incursions in 2025. The laser will be integrated with the Lattice software platform, which uses artificial intelligence to fuse radar and sensor feeds into a 3D picture for automated detection and tracking. This layered defense aims to support an increasing launch tempo, as the Eastern Range seeks to expand from 109 orbital launches in 2025 toward a capacity of 300 per year.