BlkKnight

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-10684148

If possible, I'd have thought the Russians would be up in arms about this - like they were over the MARS Anti Warhead system.

Leslie

There have been instances of car drivers and helicopter pilots being partially blinded by hooligans with those hand held lasers, but that is taking things a bit far!

Les

vindaloo

Not quite "just like burning ants/flies" but these weapons rely on building up heat over a time period. I notice the drone was under orders to die in a straight line!

Also, atmosphere diminishes the effectiveness. So whilst I suppose it might be useful to dissuade low/mid-level attacks and maybe fry guidance on bombs/missiles...

J.

Tidgy

its early days for them, but they are the way of the future as far as weapons go, put them on a nuc powered battleship and it will never run out of fuel or ammo, weakest link will be the crew

shooter007

providing the target is painted the same colour that the laser works best on eg that absorbs the most energy from a particular wave length for long enough it will work ho ho ho

billythekid

Why would it need a crew....

Tidgy

yep, that would be the next step but harder than getting the tech to work.

Coffin Dodger

Then machines will finally rule the world

vindaloo

Got to have someone on board to blame when it's computer has a seizure and eliminates Iraqistan...

what would scooby do

Why when they can blame Steve Jobs as everybody makes mistakes

vindaloo

Russians won't blame anyone, they will love it when they can have summer holidays and paddle in the new central Asian ocean.....