A press article from 1960 is recalled as an early prediction that lasers would transform naval warfare and air defense. That date makes the promised transition 66 years old at the time of this discussion. The argument challenges the assumption that an approaching laser capability makes further investment in guns unnecessary. The practical concern is how a navy defends itself while the promised replacement remains unavailable.
Notable Point · 11:58-12:46
Laser promises and investment in naval guns
Repeated predictions of imminent naval lasers underpin an argument for continuing to invest in guns.