Japan continues to develop laser weapons in an ongoing effort to change the geopolitical environment around itself.
According to Japanese media reports, in recent years, the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces have continuously developed "high-power laser systems" for anti-drone purposes. Last year, it showed progress, such as releasing an airborne system for demonstration testing, but it seems that even intercepting large missiles is being considered!
On August 29, the Ministry of Defense released the "Outline of the Budget Request for the Year 30 (Reiwa 8)". It includes efforts to purchase new equipment such as fighter jets and ships, as well as to strengthen various capabilities, and it published the phrase "Research on Missile Countermeasure Laser Systems". Specifically as follows.
"Researching the technology required to realize a megawatt-class laser system, which can produce an output 10 times higher than efficient beam focusing technology and advanced target tracking technology against drones and other devices, in order to counter missiles at low cost."
Currently, the Japan Defense Equipment Agency is developing two types of laser systems: a 10-kilowatt class for land-based use and a 100-kilowatt class for ship-based use. The 10-kilowatt class is designed to deal with small hobbyist drones, while the 100-kilowatt class is designed to include military-grade suicide drones. But what is a "megawatt-class laser"?
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, a 100-kilowatt class can counter drone systems (drones), small boats, rockets, and shells, and a 300-kilowatt class can counter cruise missiles. In other words, the "laser systems for countering missiles" in approximate estimates may be used to intercept ballistic missiles and hypersonic weapons.
Surrounding Japan, North Korea and China are developing and deploying ballistic missiles and hypersonic weapons, posing a "major threat".
Japan is also developing new interception missiles, and plans to use lasers to build a multi-layered defense system. Compared to ballistic missiles and hypersonic weapons, lasers have many advantages. First, lasers reach the target at light speed, so there is no need for complex precise guidance and course calculation as with interception missiles. Moreover, since there is a power supply, they can be fired infinitely, so theoretically there is no need to worry about running out of ammunition. In addition, unlike interception missiles, which are electronic devices, lasers are unparalleled in terms of cost per shot. On the other hand, lasers also have many problems. It is well known that power will be attenuated by atmospheric substances such as water vapor and dust, so the range will vary depending on the weather. In addition, if the laser continues to shine in a certain direction, it will cause atmospheric heating, resulting in "thermal blooming" where the focus is distorted. This is more affected by higher power, so it may cause problems when directly intercepting falling ballistic missiles from the ground.
First, developing a megawatt-class laser system itself is not an easy task. Although there are many advantages, there are also many challenges. The aforementioned U.S. Department of Defense document also points out that ballistic missile interception is "an application of advanced technology." Even in Japan, it is still in the consideration and technical verification stage (the budget amount recorded this time is very small, only 1 billion yen). I look forward to future developments.
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1841924112244748/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.