Part 3/10:
The Department of Defense (DoD) is actively exploring the concept of using the electromagnetic spectrum as a new domain for warfare. This initiative raises significant questions about the capacities inherent in directed energy weapons—a category that includes high-powered microwaves and advanced laser technologies.
Research into directed energy weapons dates back to as early as 1962, when the DoD initiated projects to weaponize lasers. Despite advancements, many of these technologies are still in developmental stages and not yet ready for battlefield employment. Historical examples, such as the Army's electrical discharge laser or the active denial system—which was declassified in 2001—illustrate the long timeline of innovation in this space.