One company is looking beyond the missile-based weaponry of today to unmanned drones equipped with high energy lasers, a technology that may be just a few years away, according to DefenseOne.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, based in San Diego, has begun developing a new type of drone that will be equipped with a high-powered 150 kilowatt laser.
"We're funded right now to develop a laser module compatible with the aircraft and study putting it on the Avenger," said Michael Perry, vice-president of GA-ASI's mission systems.
The company is receiving private funding for the project and estimates that the drone will become a reality by 2017, InfoWars reported.
GA-ASI is known more for its role in providing the government aerial drones to assist in targeted strikes and surveillance.
However, the company has also developed laser technology and has given the Pentagon access to a liquid laser system, according to RT.
"Before you spend any money on a laser, you better darn well show that you can acquire, ID, and track the objects of interest so that you could put a laser on them," Perry said.
GA-ASI is now starting to test a solid version of the laser tech.
