The world’s leading defence companies are investing heavily in the development of low-cost laser weapons to fight drones. As the Financial Times noted, these include leading contractors such as the US aerospace and defence manufacturer RTX Corporation, British multinational defence company QinetiQ, and leading European missile systems designer and manufacturer MBDA. According to reports, these companies are investing heavily in advanced technologies that have long been considered more science fiction than reality.
In a conflict in the very not distant future, defence forces can detect planes and missiles that are not even present, creating an illusion that leads enemy forces into misguided reactions. This means that while enemy radars and anti-aircraft systems are overwhelmed by phantom signals, the actual assets can navigate freely, making their way to strategic targets with minimal losses. This tactical edge allows for the disruption of adversary operations without engaging in direct confrontations, which can significantly reduce casualties and resource expenditure.
In recent years, the landscape of modern warfare has been dramatically reshaped by the rapid advancement and proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. Among these, combat drones have emerged as a particularly transformative technology, revolutionizing military operations and strategy.
Turkish arms manufacturer Baykar has recently conducted the second test flight of its latest innovation, the Bayraktar Kemankes 2 drone. This new addition to Baykar’s arsenal showcases unique capabilities that distinguish it from similar weapons systems, although its practical applications in combat remain to be fully determined.