Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:00am

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The U.S. military is preparing to demonstrate the capabilities of a powerful megawatt-class laser system, highlighting recent breakthroughs in high-energy laser technology. This demonstration comes on the heels of two recent incidents near El Paso, Texas, where military lasers were accidentally used to counter small drones, showcasing their growing readiness for such applications.

Why it matters

High-energy laser weapons are emerging as a critical tool for countering the growing threat of small drones, which can pose risks to military and civilian targets. The Pentagon’s upcoming demonstration will showcase the potential of this technology to address strategic threats beyond just small unmanned aerial vehicles.

The details

The Pentagon is planning a megawatt-class laser demonstration to highlight the recent advancements in high-energy laser technology. This comes after two incidents in late February near El Paso, Texas, where military lasers were accidentally used to counter small drones, indicating the growing readiness of these systems for such applications.

The Pentagon’s megawatt laser demonstration is scheduled for March 16, 2026.In late February 2026, two incidents occurred near El Paso, Texas, where military lasers were accidentally used to counter small drones.
The players

U.S. Military

The armed forces of the United States, responsible for the development and deployment of high-energy laser weapon systems.

nLight

A company that is likely involved in the development of the megawatt-class laser system that the Pentagon will demonstrate.

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What’s next

The Pentagon’s upcoming megawatt laser demonstration will showcase the potential of this technology to address strategic threats beyond just small drones.

The takeaway

The Pentagon’s planned megawatt laser demonstration highlights the rapid advancements in high-energy laser technology, which are proving their value as a critical tool for countering the growing threat of small drones and other strategic threats.