As part of UNIDIR’s Science and Technology Watchtower project, this briefing aims to unpack the most recent surge in interest in directed energy weapons by exploring what they are, how they can be deployed, and their realistic potential as a counter-uncrewed aerial systems solution.
Directed energy weapons have existed for nearly six decades. Despite periodically experiencing surges in interest, persistent technological and operational shortcomings have historically prevented their widespread deployment on the battlefield. At present, these weapons, especially high-energy lasers and high-power microwaves, are once again receiving heightened attention and investment.
This renewed interest stems from their potential as a countermeasure to the unprecedented proliferation of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) across global conflicts. As the cost imbalance between UAS and the traditional missile systems used to intercept them came into the spotlight, directed energy weapons have re-emerged as a potential defence solution offering a lower cost per shot compared to conventional alternatives. Speakers will critically assess the state of play of these weapons and the potential gaps between their promise and practical reality in the context of counter-UAS defence.
Agenda
The list of speakers will be made available in due course.
When and where
Wednesday, 24 June 2026 | 16:00 – 17:30 CEST | Online.
Check your local time here.
RSVP
Please register here by Tuesday, 23 June 2026. Access to the event will be shared with registered participants one day prior to the session.
Further information
For questions, please contact sectec-unidir@un.org.
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