A Landmark Deal Would Make Laser Weapons an Official Part of the Army Arsenal

Facing a drone threat that keeps getting cheaper, the Pentagon is poised to sign a first-of-its-kind contract for "Enduring High Energy Lasers," making directed energy weapons an official part of the Army's kit rather than a series of prototypes. The economics are the point: a laser shot costs a few dollars against drones that cost a few hundred. In parallel the Army has asked industry for a counter-drone missile that comes in under $150,000 apiece.