Beams are visually convenient in science fiction, while repeated efforts to field decisive laser weapons have faced harder practical limits. A theoretical near-perfect anti-missile laser is contrasted with cheaper gun-based solutions that might deliver most of the useful effect sooner. Researchers may sincerely expect a solution soon, while real-world integration, cost, and reliability keep moving the goalposts. The procurement question is whether the final increment of performance is worth its price and delay.
Chapter · 37:02-42:10
Lasers and the cost of chasing perfection
Science-fiction lasers lead into a procurement caution: a promising technical solution can consume decades and budgets while a less elegant layered defence may be available now.