{
  "id": 5523826,
  "title": "Why Laser Beams Are the Hottest New Tech in Defense",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/why-laser-beams-are-the-hottest-new-tech-in-defense",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-04T08:13:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Bloomberg",
    "slug": "bloomberg",
    "url": "https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2026-09-04/why-laser-beams-are-the-hottest-new-tech-in-defense-video"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In recent years, laser technology has emerged as a cutting-edge advancement in defense systems. To gain insight into this transformation, we spoke with Wayne Sanders, a retired US Army Colonel and senior defense research analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence specializing in directed energy weapon systems, commonly referred to as lasers.\n\nDecades ago, high-profile projects such as the Star Wars missile defense system seemed like an unattainable fantasy. However, today's lasers possess the capability to neutralize missiles and serve additional purposes. Sanders delved into the physics conundrums researchers had to conquer to materialize laser weaponry.\n\nHe explained that while laser guns are yet to be fully developed, the military has made significant strides in harnessing laser technology for defense applications. Sanders emphasized the importance of achieving \"exquisite\" weapon systems, which are highly efficient, reliable, and precise. Achieving this level of sophistication requires meticulous design and engineering.\n\nThe economic aspects also play a crucial role in determining whether a laser system will be deployed on the battlefield. Sanders highlighted the financial implications of such investments, considering factors such as development costs, maintenance, and operational expenses. The decision-makers must weigh these economic factors against the potential benefits of incorporating laser technology into their arsenal.\n\nAnother critical aspect Sanders discussed was the unique supply chain constraints that affect laser development. Unlike traditional weapon systems, lasers require specialized components and expertise, making their production and distribution more complex. This complexity can introduce challenges in procuring and maintaining the necessary resources, further impacting the adoption of laser technology by defense forces.\n\nDespite these challenges, laser technology has proven to be an invaluable asset in modern warfare. As Sanders concludes, the future of defense lies in the continued advancement of directed energy weapon systems, with lasers at the forefront of this transformative technology.",
  "summary": "Our guest today is Colonel Sanders. More precisely, we speak with Wayne Sanders, a retired US army colonel who is currently senior defense research analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence. During his military career, Sanders specialized in cybersecurity and weapon systems research and his work for BI has recently focused on directed energy weapon systems — better known as lasers. Just a few decades…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bloomberg",
        "title": "Odd Lots: Why Laser Beams Are the Hottest Defense Tech (Podcast)",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/odd-lots-why-laser-beams-are-the-hottest-defense-tech-podcast",
        "published": "2026-09-04T08:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}