Analysts suggest the U.S. should focus on developing directed energy weapons to counter future assaults on U.S. military’s freedom of movement, Defense News reports.
The Washington-based Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments issued a report Thursday suggesting the U.S. would benefit from using alternately-powered weapons to respond to precision-guided cruise and ballistic missiles from state and non-state groups.
Report researchers Mark Gunzinger and Chris Dougherty suggested the weapons, which would use concentrated electromagnetic energy, could provide the U.S. unlimited methods to counter incoming missiles.
The authors note that previous program failures and the budget environment are factors contributing to the government not pursuing research and development for directed energy capabilities.
According to the report, the systems would help counter threats such as Iran’s watercraft swarm tactic with less collateral damage.
The kinetic defense method could also be useful in urban settings, the report said.
The report said it will be possible to mature laser technologies to create a defense base against aircraft and rocket fire in the next 10 years.