Laser weapons score big against drones, mortars.

• Position: From the National Defense Blog

Laser beams that can replace bullets and missiles have been a tantalizing prospect for decades, but the Pentagon has been less than enthusiastic. Directed-energy is what experts consider a "disruptive" technology that upsets the status quo. The notion that military forces would ditch proven kinetic weapons and take chances with light beams has made lasers a tough sell so far.

The Army tested a 10-kilowatt laser and beam director mounted on an eight-wheel 20-ton truck. It engaged more than 90 60mm mortar rounds and several unmanned aerial vehides from less than two miles away. A surrogate radar was used to queue the laser.

The Boeing Co. is the prime contractor...