National Resilience Score: 85/100 — High Resilience
Framed as: Dual-Use Implications for National Resilience
I. Civilian & Military Applications
Directed Energy (DE) technologies, encompassing high-energy lasers (HEL) and high-power microwave (HPM) systems, have seen significant advancements and deployments across both civilian and military sectors. In the military domain, DE systems are primarily utilized for defense against aerial threats, including drones, missiles, and artillery. For instance, the U.S. Navy’s High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) system, operational since 2019, is integrated into the Aegis Combat System to counter various threats. Similarly, the U.S. Army has developed the Maneuver-Short-Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) system, a 50-kilowatt laser mounted on Stryker vehicles, designed to neutralize aerial threats. Internationally, Israel’s Iron Beam system, deployed in December 2025, employs a fiber laser to intercept short-range rockets and drones, complementing the Iron Dome system. The United Kingdom’s RapidDestroyer, unveiled in May 2024, is a high-power microwave weapon system developed to counter drone swarms, marking a significant advancement in electronic warfare capabilities. Civilian applications of DE technologies are emerging, particularly in areas such as industrial manufacturing, where lasers are used for precision cutting and welding. However, the deployment of DE systems in civilian contexts is limited due to regulatory, safety, and ethical considerations. The convergence of civilian and military needs for DE technologies can lead to competition for the same supply chains, especially concerning critical components like high-quality optics and advanced materials. Allied nations leading in DE deployment include the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom, each integrating DE systems into their defense infrastructures. Adversaries, notably China, are also investing heavily in DE technologies, with reports indicating advancements in laser weaponry and HPM systems for military applications.
II. Rare Earth & Critical Material Dependencies
Directed Energy (DE) technologies, particularly high-energy lasers (HEL) and high-power microwave (HPM) systems, rely on critical materials such as rare earth elements (REEs) and specialized components. REEs like neodymium and dysprosium are essential for the production of powerful magnets used in laser systems, while materials like gallium and indium are crucial for semiconductor components. The global supply of these materials is predominantly controlled by China, which possesses significant mining, processing, and refining capabilities. In the United States, efforts are underway to reduce dependency on foreign sources. For example, USA Rare Earth has outlined a $1.6 billion support plan, including a $1.5 billion private investment, to accelerate the development of a domestic mine-to-magnet supply chain. This initiative aims to enhance the resilience of the U.S. defense industry by ensuring a stable supply of critical materials. If access to these materials is restricted or cut off, the production of DE systems could be severely impacted, leading to delays and increased costs. Substitution options are limited due to the unique properties of REEs required for DE applications, making it challenging to find alternative materials that meet the stringent performance criteria.
III. Infrastructure Hardening Implications
Directed Energy (DE) technologies have the potential to both strengthen and challenge the resilience of critical infrastructure. In the military context, DE systems can enhance infrastructure security by providing non-kinetic means to disable or destroy incoming threats, such as missiles or drones, without causing collateral damage. For example, the U.S. Army’s M-SHORAD system, equipped with a 50-kilowatt laser, is designed to protect assets by neutralizing aerial threats. However, the deployment of DE systems introduces new vulnerabilities. The high power requirements and thermal management needs of DE weapons necessitate robust infrastructure, including advanced power grids and cooling systems. Additionally, the electromagnetic emissions from HPM systems could potentially interfere with civilian communications and electronic systems, posing challenges to infrastructure integrity. Investments in DE technologies should focus on developing resilient power and cooling solutions, as well as electromagnetic shielding, to mitigate these risks and ensure the effective integration of DE systems into existing infrastructure.
IV. Energy Resilience Assessment
Directed Energy (DE) technologies, particularly high-energy lasers (HEL) and high-power microwave (HPM) systems, have specific energy requirements that influence their integration into national energy resilience strategies. These systems demand substantial and consistent power supplies, which can centralize energy dependency if not managed with distributed energy solutions. The U.S. Army’s M-SHORAD system, for instance, operates with a 50-kilowatt laser, necessitating reliable power sources for effective deployment. The integration of DE systems into the broader energy transition presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, advancements in renewable energy technologies could provide sustainable power sources for DE systems, aligning with energy resilience goals. On the other hand, the high energy demands of DE weapons could strain existing power grids, especially during peak usage times or in scenarios of grid stress. To enhance energy resilience, it is crucial to develop DE systems that are compatible with distributed energy resources and to invest in energy storage solutions that can support the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources.
V. Key Findings & National Resilience Implications
Directed Energy (DE) technologies are rapidly advancing, with significant investments and deployments across military and emerging civilian applications. The reliance on critical materials, particularly rare earth elements, poses strategic vulnerabilities due to global supply chain dependencies, predominantly controlled by China. The integration of DE systems into critical infrastructure offers enhanced security capabilities but also introduces new challenges, including increased energy demands and potential electromagnetic interference. To bolster national resilience, it is imperative to invest in domestic supply chains for critical materials, develop infrastructure capable of supporting DE technologies, and ensure energy systems are adaptable to the high power requirements of DE weapons. A peer adversary gaining dominant control over DE technologies could shift the balance of military power, underscoring the need for strategic investments and international cooperation to maintain technological superiority.
This was visible months ago due to foresight analysis.
