Directed Energy Weapons and the Future of Military Power
16 pages · PDF · 23 May 2025 · Licensed single-user copy, watermarked to the buyer
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About this report
Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) are military systems that emit focused energy – such as high-power laser beams or microwaves – to disable or destroy targets without traditional munitions. After decades of research, DEWs are entering an emerging operational role in the 2025–2035 timeframe, with Western armed forces fielding demonstrators and initial systems.
The United States deployed the first operational laser weapon in 2014 aboard USS Ponce , and since then has accelerated development across all services. Key programs like the U.S. Navy’s HELIOS laser, the U.K.’s DragonFire laser, and the U.S.
Key questions this report answers
- How do directed-energy weapons using high-power lasers and microwaves disable or destroy targets without traditional munitions?
- What operational role are DEWs entering in the 2025-2035 timeframe as Western forces field demonstrators and initial systems?
- How do programmes such as the US Navy HELIOS, the UK DragonFire and early operational systems mark the maturation of DEW capability?
- What are the doctrinal implications and strategic outlook for DEWs in the future of military power?
Who it's for
Strategy, corporate-development and investment teams that need an ecosystem-level view — budgets, industrial capacity and technology landscapes — before committing capital or capacity.
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DFM reports are built from primary and official sources — TED procurement notices, CORDIS and the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, EIB operations, the NATO Innovation Fund portfolio, SIPRI data, official budget documents and company disclosures — read together with the underlying legal texts. Sources are cited in the document; it reflects them as of its publication date (23 May 2025). You receive a 16-page PDF, watermarked to you on every page, delivered on the confirmation page and by e-mail immediately after checkout (personal link valid 72 hours, up to 5 downloads). Guest checkout, single-user licence — Terms of Sale.
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