Could laser heating disrupt a hypersonic missile?

Would a defensive laser add enough heat to affect an already hot hypersonic missile?

Potentially. If an effective laser engagement were possible, the added heating might make the missile deviate, though the idea remains theoretical.

A laser might affect a hypersonic missile even though the weapon is already extremely hot in flight. If the laser could engage effectively, the added temperature might cause the missile to deviate. This remains a theoretical possibility rather than a fielded defensive solution. Weather attenuation and service readiness still constrained naval lasers in 2021.