World · World News Bureau
US Defense Department Authorizes Testing of Directed-Energy Weapon System
The Pentagon has granted the Department of Homeland Security approval to conduct field trials of a directed-energy device designed to incapacitate targets through heat. The approval marks a significant step in the adoption of non-lethal technologies for potential domestic security applications.
LSN World News ·
The U.S. Department of Defense has cleared the way for the Department of Homeland Security to test an advanced directed-energy weapon that operates by projecting intense heat at targets. The authorization represents a milestone in the development and potential deployment of non-kinetic crowd-control systems within American law enforcement and security operations.
Directed-energy weapons, commonly referred to as heat ray systems, function by emitting concentrated electromagnetic radiation that causes a burning sensation on exposed skin without causing lasting physical injury. The technology has been under development for several years and is intended as a non-lethal alternative to conventional crowd-dispersal methods.
The testing approval comes as federal agencies increasingly explore emerging technologies to enhance security capabilities and operational flexibility. Officials have characterized the weapon system as a tool for managing security threats at sensitive facilities and during high-risk situations where traditional methods may prove insufficient.
The scope and timeline for the field trials have not been extensively detailed in official announcements. Testing protocols will likely include assessments of operational effectiveness, safety parameters, and compliance with applicable regulations governing the use of such systems in domestic settings.
The development underscores broader Pentagon interest in directed-energy technologies, which have been studied extensively for both military and civilian applications over the past two decades. Proponents argue such systems offer greater precision and reduced risk of permanent harm compared to kinetic alternatives, though critics have raised concerns about potential misuse and safety implications.
Photo: The US Air Force Research Laboratory's Active Denial System, a non-lethal directed-energy crowd-dispersal system, mounted on a military truck, 2007. U.S. Air Force via Wikimedia Commons (public domain).