Hegset attended a demonstration of a new laser weapon in New Mexico
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hagseth and Pentagon Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael attended a demonstration of laser and microwave weapons in New Mexico.
This is reportedly the first known instance in which a sitting U.S. Secretary of Defense has personally observed tests of directed-energy weapons.
During the demonstration at the White Sands test site, the U.S. military showcased several systems, including an Army multi-purpose high-energy laser based on technology from AeroVironment.
Directed-energy weapons are considered a relatively inexpensive means of countering drones and are often used as part of a layered defense system. At the same time, such technologies have not yet seen widespread use worldwide.
According to the company, during tests in October, the Locust system was able to shoot down several drones from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush.
The U.S. has also allocated more than $2 billion in funding for fiscal year 2027 for research and development in the field of directed energy.
AeroVironment Vice President John Garity stated that the combination of government support and technological development creates a “perfect storm” for the further deployment of such systems. According to him, lasers with a power of 300–600 kW are planned to be installed on next-generation warships.
Axios reported this, citing Laser Wars.
As a reminder, General Christopher Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, will soon leave military service. According to U.S. media reports, his resignation comes amid sweeping personnel changes at the U.S. Department of Defense, led by Pentagon chief Pete Hagseth.
The U.S.-NATO PURL initiative, which allows European allies to purchase American weapons for Ukraine, is showing progress and helping to lay the groundwork for future peace.
