Lasers have been around since 1960, and less than three decades later, they were weaponized. It’s the classic "science gets curious and then the governments of the world decide to use it for their military." It’s been more than 62 years, and while their use isn’t completely widespread, laser weapons are becoming more and more prominent on the battlefield. Everything from defensive measures to non-lethal weaponry to shooting jets out of the sky is on the menu. Explore the future of warfare that has already begun around the world. Read next:Top 30 Coolest Military Weapons You've Never Heard Of

Does the U.S. Have Laser Weapons?

Yes, the United States has laser weapons. In fact, we have several and continue to build more. We’re not just talking about laser sights on a gun either. From offense to defense, there are a lot of things this form of weaponry can accomplish.

From Sci-Fi to the Battlefield, the Future Is Here

If you’re looking to pinpoint a U.S. laser weapon, you’re going to need to understand just how many weapons are available. Though this technology is still under development, it doesn’t mean there haven’t been efforts made. In addition, we aren’t the only country working to advance such weapons. These are several examples that have been used or researched by the U.S. and other countries in the pursuit of an improved laser weapon:

• 1K17 Szhatie.
• ALKA.
• AN/SEQ-3 Laser Weapon System.
• Advanced Tactical Laser.
• Airborne Laser.
• Area Defense Anti-Munitions.
• Beriev A-60.
• Boeing Laser Avenger.
• Boeing YAL-1.
• Dazzler.
• Deployable Tactical Engagement System.
• Dragonfire.
• Evolutionary Air and Space Global Laser Engagement.
• Gas Dynamic Laser.
• HELRAM.
• High Energy Liquid Laser Area Defense System.
• Iron Beam.
• Light Blade.
• MIRACL.
• Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System.
• Omega.
• Peresvet.
• Personnel Halting and Stimulation Response Rifle (PHASR).
• Plasma Acoustic Shield System.
• Polyus.
• Protocol on Blinding Laser Weapons.
• Self-Protect High-Energy Laser Demonstrator.
• Silent Hunter.
• Skyguard.
• Small Arms Weapons Effects Simulator.
• Sokol Eshelon.
• Solar-Pumped Laser.
• Soviet Laser Pistol.
• Tactical High Energy Laser.
• Terra-3.
• ZEUS-HLONS (HMMWV Laser Ordnance Neutralization System).
• ZKZM-500.
• ZM-87.

The list above is only part of the many laser weapons and systems that have been used or continue to be used by governments. If you look closely, there are many different types available. For example, the Small Arms Weapons Effects Simulator (SAWES) is a non-lethal training weapon used to simulate live fire for the British Army during the ‘80s. The Iron Beam, on the other hand, is an air defense system. Furthermore, the Boeing Laser Avenger is a development for the U.S. looking to murk UAVs. Some of these weapons have come and gone, others are still available, but now, the U.S. is looking at a high-energy laser weapon system that is the most powerful version ever developed. A directed energy weapon system points toward the future of warfare, and it appears the future is here.

The Stryker Infantry Fighting Vehicle Is Getting a Major Upgrade

Were there years of development and plenty of delays? Absolutely. But the U.S. Army is finally getting to put laser weapons on its Stryker vehicles. The delays were in place to be sure that they could develop the systems at scale, and now that they can, they're ready to be unleashed. “We want to make sure when we actually transition a program or a capability that we mature not just the prototype from an operational capability but have a good competitive space and good manufacturability processes in place as well to make that PEO successful,” said the new RCCTO chief Lt. Gen. Robert Rasch. Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD) Stryker vehicles are getting 50-kilowatt laser weapons nicknamed “Guardian,” according to the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO). Developed by Raytheon Technologies, the DE M-SHORAD laser system has been performing well as a prototype and is ready to counter drones, mortar, and rocket fire. An increasingly important concept as threats from drones persists in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. More than just power, the focus and attraction of these laser weapons are the fact that they are easier to maneuver due to being lightweight and more cost-effective than other weaponry. In addition to these new developments, the Army is also looking into laser-equipped infantry carriers featuring a 20 kW laser weapon that will complement the vehicles. Known as the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL), it’s expected to begin service in the 2023 fiscal year, but it will only defend against drones.

Which Countries Have Laser Weapons?

There are several prominent countries that have laser weapons, including the United States, Russia, and China. In fact, Russia was the first country to use laser weapons in war with its invasion of Ukraine. An unfortunate yet unsurprising accomplishment considering their history of developing such weaponry. Throughout history, there have been other nations, such as the United Kingdom, that have also used lasers for their weaponry. Israel is also included here. Taking things even further, a number of countries may have used laser weapons or developed them as part of the Soviet Union. But while others continue to develop programs, the U.S. stands tall with the most comprehensive arsenal and advancements in the field. Suggested read:Nuclear Deterrence: Keeping the World Alive Since 1949

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. Photo by John Williams U.S. Navy