Real Technology: How Science Fiction Writers Accidentally Predicted Future Weapons
Image - U.S. Space Command: 2020 Vision
Author: Sergey Komalin
April 24, 2025, 1:48 PM
When Imagination Becomes a Weapon: The Impact of Science Fiction on Military Affairs
The boundary between reality and science fiction can sometimes be surprisingly blurred, especially when it comes to military technology. Many ideas that originated in the minds of science fiction writers have not only taken root in real-world armies but also driven the entire direction of military thought.
The most striking example of literature's influence on the military field is H.G. Wells' novel "The War of the Worlds." In this late 19th-century novel, the first appearance of the Martians' "heat ray" later became the prototype for modern laser technology. Although lasers currently do not possess such destructive power, the principle of using concentrated beams is very popular in the military field.
Another notable example is Robert A. Heinlein's novel "Starship Troopers." The author proposed the concept of mechanized combat suits, which would greatly enhance the combat capabilities of infantry. Today, similar exoskeletons are being tested by military institutions in various countries. For instance, the U.S. Army is actively testing exoskeletons that help soldiers carry heavy loads and improve their physical endurance.
George Lucas's famous space epic "Star Wars" must not be overlooked either. It not only sparked a cultural revolution but also inspired the United States to create actual strategic plans—the "Strategic Defense Initiative." Later, journalists simply referred to it as the "Star Wars" program.
This program began development during President Reagan's administration in 1983. Its core was to create an anti-ballistic missile defense shield to be deployed in Earth's orbit. Although the project was never fully realized, it gave rise to numerous advanced technologies, such as laser targeting systems and the latest ballistic missile detection sensors.
Science fiction has also made significant contributions to the development of cyber warfare concepts. In cyberpunk novels, such as William Gibson's "Neuromancer," the first descriptions of battles taking place not on the battlefield but in virtual space appeared. Today, cyber operations have become an indispensable part of the military doctrines of major world powers. Countries like the United States, Russia, Israel, and China already have specialized units responsible for cybersecurity and conducting actions in the digital realm.
Another interesting aspect is the impact of video games. For example, the widely popular game "Call of Duty" has largely shaped people's perceptions of military operations, and its narrative elements and technical solutions have also inspired inspiration for military tactical research. This refers to military simulators, which armies now use to train personnel. These technologies often originate from game projects.
It is equally noteworthy that science fiction has influenced the development of drone technology. The idea of remotely controlled combat equipment was proposed as early as the mid-20th century, but it was science fiction films and books that actively promoted the concept of combat drones. Today, drones have become a key element in armed conflicts, clearly demonstrating the practical realization of once-scientific ideas.
Therefore, science fiction is no longer merely entertainment; it has become a powerful source of inspiration and new ideas for real-world military technology.
Original Article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7497142746596082239/
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