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Back in January, the Heritage Foundation’s Lisa Curtis and James Carafano wrote an article about directed-energy (laser) missile defense and cooperation between the U.S. and India in developing this technology. They noted the versatility of both low- and high-powered lasers, which can neutralize ballistic missile threats from a range of sources. In lieu of a full-scale retaliation, high-powered lasers can limit the scope of reprisals and contain the inevitable damage.

India’s back in the news. Defense News reports that India recently test-fired a nuclear-capable, medium-range missile, a surface-to-surface Agni-II with a warhead range of 1,560 miles. Additionally, India has the Agni-III, which has a range of about 1,864 miles.

India is developing weapons to protect itself from China and Pakistan. See the Office of Naval Intelligence’s report on China’s navy.

 
The Heritage Foundation‘s Lisa Curtis and James Carafano have written an article that appears on FrontPage Magazine about directed-energy (laser) missile defense and cooperation between the U.S. and India in developing this technology.

“The United States is a global leader in directed-energy defenses, including both low and high-powered lasers,” they write. “American military research is also highly advanced in the technologies of acquiring targets as well as the command, control, and battle management systems necessary to identify and direct weapons to destroy missiles and other targets.”

Curtis and Carafano note the versatility of both low- and high-powered lasers, which can neutralize ballistic missile threats from a range of sources. In lieu of a full-scale retaliation, high-powered lasers can limit the scope of reprisals and contain the inevitable damage.

Whether or not we’re forced to use these weapons, having them provides a security of its own. “A world with effective missile defenses is safer and more stable.”

The U.S. is developing a system that uses a megawatt chemical laser mounted on a modified Boeing 747 called the Airborne Laser (ABL). The ABL is capable of shooting down theater ballistic missiles. Cooperation between the U.S. and India as they develop laser missile defense technology will no doubt help stabilize Asia as well as secure our homeland.

Read the rest at FrontPage Magazine.