We are at a precipice. Warfare is about to enter a new dimension, Numerous conventional weapons in circulation will soon fade into obsolescence. we are leaving the world of dense matter into the utilization of light-based technologies. The missile a descendant of ancient rocks hurled across battlefields has now succumbed to a molten embrace. We now wield light like Zeus’s thunderbolts, directing weapons like controlled beams of the sun.
Warfare should have evolved significantly beyond that seen in the current conflicts in Ukraine and Israel/Palestine. Despite substantial technological breakthroughs, nations have been hesitant to unveil their full capabilities, opting instead to keep their cards close to the chest. Showing just a taster of their capabilities, most hide behind a classified veil waiting for the right moment to fully unleash their force, reminiscent of the era leading up to the revelation of the Manhattan Project, which ushered the world into the nuclear age.
It could be argued that these wars serve as a way to deplete stocks of soon-to-be-obsolete weapons. The “donation” of weaponry by NATO countries allows them to offset billions against assets paid for years ago, now depreciating and relegated to storage.
Disposing of outdated weapons can be costly and complex. Donating them in the context of a conflict can be a practical way to rid the donor nation of surplus arms without incurring the expenses associated with proper disposal.
We need to face the new reality, Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs), such as lasers and high-powered microwaves, are no longer the stuff of science fiction but are gradually becoming integrated into national defense arsenals. For instance, the U.S. Navy’s deployment of the Laser Weapon System (LaWS) aboard the USS Ponce is a testament to this shift. This system, capable of targeting drones, aircraft, and small boats, exemplifies the transition towards harnessing light for combat, marking a departure from conventional munitions.
The magnitude of the breakthrough in military technology is mirrored in the mythologically inspired names of the few disclosed systems, such as the UK’s “DragonFire” and Israel’s “Iron Beam.” These evocative names not only capture the imagination but also hint at the transformative power and unprecedented capabilities of these new weapons systems. Through their names, these technologies are imbued with a sense of mythical force and historical gravitas, suggesting a leap in warfare capabilities as significant as the legendary tales from which they draw inspiration.
In essence, while the prospect of a “Star Wars” like missile defence system represents a leap forward in military technology, it also necessitates a profound revaluation of our approaches to international relations, defence strategy, and conflict resolution. The disappearance of the MAD doctrine could open the door to a new era of strategic possibilities, both positive and perilous. As we navigate this uncertain future, the wisdom with which we wield our newfound powers will determine whether we usher in an age of unprecedented security or a new chapter of instability and conflict.
Yet, as with all great powers, there lies a profound responsibility—a cautionary tale from the very myths that inspire them. Just as Icarus’ flight towards the sun speaks to the hubris of man, so too does the development and deployment of such formidable technologies urge a wisdom to wield these modern-day thunderbolts judiciously. In embracing the light, we must also heed the shadows it casts, ensuring that in our quest for security, we do not lose ourselves to the very darkness we seek to illuminate.