The problem, however, is that drones are cheap and abundant, and the cost to shoot them down is much higher. A single Patriot missile can cost around $3 million, while a Stinger missile can cost around $50,000. In contrast, drones can be bought for as little as $200 each. It’s a real problem, and it’s one that has led to a search for alternative solutions.

That’s where lasers come in. For years, the US has been developing laser weapon systems, but so far, they’ve mostly been plagued by problems. The power requirements for these systems are significant, and finding a reliable and efficient way to power them has been a major challenge. Additionally, the atmospheric conditions can affect the laser’s effectiveness, and there are also potential countermeasures that can be used to defend against laser attacks.

Despite these challenges, I believe that lasers could be the solution. Solid-state lasers, in particular, are promising, as they can be powered by electricity and only require a few kilowatts to destroy or disable a drone. The problem, however, is that developing these systems is more complex than it seems, and there are many hurdles to overcome before they can be deployed.

It’s not just the US that’s struggling with this problem, other countries are too. The war in Ukraine has forced countries to rethink how they wage war, and drones have become a major concern. The answer, I believe, lies in the development of better countermeasures, such as jamming or jam-resistant drones, or, indeed, solid-state lasers. For now, it seems that the war in Ukraine will continue to be a protracted one, but I have no doubt that we’ll see new and innovative solutions emerge as the conflict continues to unfold.