Newsweek: Japan unveils laser weapon that will change the rules of war
A Japanese defense agency has confirmed that a high-energy laser system capable of shooting down drones is being installed on a warship in preparation for future tests at sea.
Newsweek said that the laser is a weapon that uses energy instead of shells or missiles to hit targets, making it less expensive and giving it practically unlimited firepower.
It added that this weapon can be effective in defending ships.
The development of this weapon and other game-changing weapons comes as Japan faces China’s growing military might.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated sharply recently after Tokyo’s statements about possible military intervention if China imposed a blockade on Taiwan.
The magazine reported that images circulated on X on December 3 showed a prototype of a laser weapon mounted on the JS Asuka test ship of the Japan Naval Self-Defense Forces.
The Defense Ministry’s Alta agency said in a statement that the 100-kilowatt high-energy laser system, which is still under research, is being developed to be installed aboard the Asuka for future lighting experiments at sea.
One of the problems with laser systems is that they are able to engage only one target at a time, and require them to stay focused on the target for an extended period of time.
According to an IAEA document, the laser system has already undergone ground tests that have proven its ability to ignite a mortar shell and shoot down a small drone.
Meanwhile, the US Navy’s laser-armed destroyer USS Preble has been deployed to Japan since October 2024.
The ship carries the 60-kilowatt Helios weapon and can counter fast attack boats and drones.
One problem with laser systems, Newsweek continues, is that they are able to engage only one target at a time, and require them to stay focused on the target for an extended period of time.
