Agenda Section Description

Directed Energy

Directed Energy (DE) technology has reached the stage where services are maturing the doctrine and tactics associated with the integration of DE weaponry into the operational capability of our military. It has long been seen as a “weapon of the future,” but the technology has advanced, and continues to advance so rapidly that the operational realities need to be addressed. They will have the inherent ability for quick, highly accurate engagement of threats with little or no collateral damage for hardkill and non-lethal solutions. The very nature of the weapon that allows for the highly accurate engagement also presents a new challenge to traditional methods of fire control. Briefings in this session will address:

• The recommended mix and integration of DE and kinetic systems;
• Operational and training considerations when employing DE;
• DE system overviews and CONOPs;
• Command and control challenges and recommended solutions;
• Ethical, legal, and political ramifications of employing DE weapons;
• Optimal employment environments for DE; and
• Technology advances in power reduction and range extension.