Laser-Based Directed Energy Weapons: Technological Capabilities, Material Interaction, and Strategic Deployment Pathways

Abstract

This review aims to evaluate the current capabilities of laser-based Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs), assess their interaction with aerospace and defence-relevant materials, analyse atmospheric propagation constraints, and identify technological barriers and future strategic pathways for deployment across land, air, and naval platforms. Methods: A systematic literature survey covering 2005–2025 was conducted using Scopus, Web of Science, and defense technical repositories. Sources were filtered based on relevance to laser technology, material response under laser irradiation, propagation modelling, and platform integration frameworks. Comparative analysis was performed across laser types, power architectures, battlefield roles, and integration strategies within layered air-defense systems. Results: Solid-state, fibre, and chemical lasers exhibit varying power levels, efficiencies, and platform suitability, with fibre lasers demonstrating the highest readiness for operational deployment. Material response analysis highlights distinct ablation thresholds, deformation behaviours, and surface degradation patterns for aerospace alloys and composites. Atmospheric propagation remains a primary performance constraint, while mitigation using adaptive optics, beam shaping, and wavelength optimization shows measurable improvement. System-level challenges persist regarding power generation, thermal management, and AI-supported beam control for mobile platforms. Conclusions: Laser-based DEWs are transitioning from prototype demonstrations to practical use, yet achieving deployment-ready solutions requires further advances in laser–material coupling models, scalable power architectures, and battlefield-integrated sensor fusion. Future opportunities include AI-driven beam control, compact energy storage, and pathways toward space-based laser platforms. Coordinated progress in materials engineering, power electronics, and autonomous targeting is essential for maturing DEWs into reliable and strategically transformative weapon systems.