directed-energy-weapons

inherent advantages of directed-energy weapons, notably rapid access to targets, speed-of-light engagement, longrange and continuous coverage of the battlespace. 56Space-based directed-energy weapons could be employed independently or as part of a joint force. Independentoperations are particularly important in those instances where only space-based directed-energy weapons can accessthe target. Independent missions would include both offensive and defensive counter-space, boost-phase missiledefense (particularly against a limited number of missiles) and, perhaps, ground strike against critical strategic targets.Space-based directed-energy weapons would operate as part of a joint force in the conduct of layered missile-defenseoperations, air defense, suppression of enemy air defenses, ISR and targeting support to other forces, and operationalground strikes.III.LIMITATIONS AND COUNTERMEASURESTO DIRECTED-ENERGY WEAPONSWith the deployment of any new weapons system, there is a need to understand its technical and operational limitations.Directed-energy weapons clearly offer some novel and potentially very important military capabilities that couldserve as the basis for entirely new missions and operational concepts. At the same time, there are serious concernsregarding the ability of directed-energy weapons to operate under real-world conditions and to be effective against relativelysimple countermeasures.One of the major criticisms offered against the utility of directed-energy weapons, particularly high-energy lasers, isthat they are unable to operate through inclement weather or in the presence of obscurants, whether naturally occurringor man-made. Modern laser systems such as the ABL employ adaptive optics to compensate for the problem ofbeam attenuation caused by atmospheric turbulence. The ABL addresses the problem of weather and obscurants byengaging targets above cloud level.Clouds and obscurants are a challenge to the current generation of chemical-laser weapons. This matters least for ABL oran SBL engaging ballistic and airborne targets above cloud level. Clouds are also not a problem for the THEL/MTHELor similar systems operating near the Earth. However, fog, smoke and other obscurants will be a problem for near-Earthlaser weapons.Directed-energy weapons also must confront efforts by adversaries to counter their effects. A variety of countermeasuresare possible depending on the kind of directed-energy weapon and the type of target. Shielding or ablativematerial can attenuate the effectiveness of continuous-wave laser weapons but will be relatively ineffective againstpulsed lasers that use impulse power as their damage mechanism rather than target heating. A highly reflective surfaceor rapid rotation of the target could also reduce damage from continuous-wave laser attack.Another potential limit to the military application of directed-energy weapons is damage assessment. Not all electronicsystems will respond the same way to the deposition of an equal amount of energy. 57 In light of this, directedenergyweapons will have to be “oversized” in order to have a high likelihood of creating the desired effect even in aresistant target. In addition, the effects on targets of directed-energy weapons, particularly HPMs, may be difficult toassess externally. The absence of electronic emissions from a bunker, for example, may be a sign that the facility wasneutralized by HPM weapons or, conversely, that the target is “playing possum.” 5832 The Military Uses and National-Security Implications of Directed-Energy Weapons