Watch: How Laser Weapons Are Revolutionizing Anti-Drone Warfare
Witness how Russia’s extensive use of drone swarms in Ukraine has prompted global concerns about air defense. New York Times foreign correspondent Lara Jakes delves into the innovative laser technology being developed and deployed to combat this escalating threat.
NATO’s Urgent Quest: A New Strategy Against Russian Drone Attacks
The skies over Ukraine are increasingly filled with Russian drones, with some even breaching Poland’s borders last week. The ease with which these inexpensive, often makeshift drones bypass multi-million dollar air defense systems highlights a significant vulnerability for NATO in the evolving landscape of modern conflict.
This escalating threat has sparked an urgent reevaluation and upgrade of NATO’s air defense strategies. The economic disparity is stark: drones can cost as little as a few hundred dollars, while traditional defense missiles cost millions. Ukraine has already experimented with a range of unconventional countermeasures, including nets, protective cages, truck-mounted machine guns, and even specialized anti-drone drones.
A groundbreaking solution is on the horizon: advanced laser weaponry.
A growing number of Western nations are actively developing and deploying laser-based weapon systems, which promise a more cost-effective and efficient way to neutralize drone threats compared to conventional missiles. These cutting-edge systems have already seen action in conflicts involving Israel and Ukraine. Learn more about their functionality in the accompanying video.
An Australian firm, Electro Optic Systems, is pioneering a laser system capable of downing up to 20 drones per minute. A European NATO nation has already committed to acquiring this technology, with systems expected to be delivered by 2028 at a cost of approximately $83 million each, including training and spare parts.
Once operational, these systems, affectionately dubbed “Apollo,” are projected to engage drones at an astonishing cost of less than 10 cents per shot. The 100-kilowatt laser matches the power output of Israel’s developing Iron Beam system.
The U.S. military is also heavily invested in this technology, spending about $1 billion annually on laser weapons. Their ambitious goal is to develop a one-megawatt weapon next year, which could potentially intercept ballistic and hypersonic missiles. Currently, 100-kilowatt lasers are effective against drones, artillery, and mortars.
For years, air defense systems have been in high demand globally, particularly in the Middle East, East Asia, and the United States. The sophisticated drone swarms witnessed in Ukraine—and Ukraine’s own bold drone operations deep within Russia—are stark reminders of global vulnerabilities. The continued development and deployment of counter-technologies, especially lasers, are poised to redefine the landscape of both current and future conflicts.
Media Under Fire: The Jimmy Kimmel Controversy and Trump’s Stance on Press Freedom
Following the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night program, the Trump administration is facing scrutiny for what many describe as the most severe media crackdown in recent history. Despite President Trump’s inauguration pledge to end government censorship, he is reportedly employing various tactics to suppress news and commentary he disagrees with, as reported by my colleague Jim Rutenberg.
Traveling on Air Force One, President Trump suggested that the broadcast licenses of networks deemed overly critical of him should be revoked by the government.
ABC’s decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel’s show after his remarks concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk ignited a furious debate, with conservatives celebrating and liberals protesting. This starkly divided reaction further underscores America’s growing partisan chasm.
“We all see where this is going, correct? It’s managed media,” commented David Letterman, reflecting widespread concerns.
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More Top News Headlines
U.K.: On the final day of Trump’s state visit, he and Prime Minister Keir Starmer exchanged compliments but publicly disagreed on Palestinian statehood. The two leaders also finalized a new technology partnership agreement.
Fed: The Trump administration has petitioned the Supreme Court to grant the president authority to remove Lisa Cook from her position as a Federal Reserve governor.
Syria: President Ahmed al-Shara announced that a U.S.-mediated border agreement with Israel could be reached within days.
Russia: Dmitri Kozak, a long-serving aide to President Vladimir Putin, who notably opposed the invasion of Ukraine, was granted a rare resignation from his post.
France: Demonstrators took to the streets to protest the government’s austerity plan, chanting “Tax the rich” among other slogans.
Tech: Nvidia has announced a significant $5 billion investment in its competitor, Intel, aiming to bolster the struggling chip giant.
Immigration: Lawyers representing Mahmoud Khalil have appealed to a federal judge to intervene after an immigration court ordered his deportation to either Syria or Algeria.
Pope: Pope Leo XIV has, in contrast to his predecessors, offered few indications regarding his stance on contentious church issues.
Go Deeper
Trump family: A recent investigation by The Times revealed that Tiffany Trump enjoyed a cruise on an oil mogul’s yacht while her father-in-law, a State Department adviser, was actively negotiating oil deals.
Energy: In Laos, China’s green-tech revolution is delivering more than just affordable energy. The pressing question remains: what will Beijing’s climate ambitions ultimately cost the rest of the world?
Sports Headlines
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Soccer: Newcastle United has controversially adopted a rugby-inspired strategy in its plays to gain a competitive edge.
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Tennis: Björn Borg recently opened up to The Athletic about his life after professional tennis, touching on personal struggles and a harrowing near-death experience.
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Baseball: Major League Baseball announced the cancellation of two games scheduled to be played in London in 2026.
Morning Read
Metropol, one of Hong Kong’s most renowned dim sum establishments, is set to close its doors permanently this month. It’s one of the last remaining restaurants in the city to feature traditional dim sum carts.
With Metropol’s closure, a cherished part of Hong Kong’s culinary scene—the iconic dim sum cart aunties—will also fade. These middle-aged women, known for their charmingly gruff demeanor, are famous for weaving through dining rooms, enthusiastically announcing their delicious offerings like “Pork ribs! Beef meatballs! Quail egg siu mai!”
Thought-Provoking Stories
Fashion: Gwyneth Paltrow’s latest venture sees her launching a new brand, with aspirations to become the next Ralph Lauren.
Hey, millennials: A new book offers a unique celebration of an anxious, often unhappy, yet successful, pop-culture-obsessed, middle-aged, and endearingly “cringey” generation.
Manufacturing Shift: Vietnam is rapidly surpassing China as the leading global hub for sneaker production.
Arts & Ideas
The Unraveling of a Hit: How “Disco Elysium” Divided Its Creators
“Disco Elysium,” a critically acclaimed video game, unexpectedly soared to success, captivating audiences with its profound narrative and unique political undertones. Created by a group of young Estonian socialists and artists, it was even hailed by PC Gamer magazine as the second-best computer game of all time.
However, despite its widespread acclaim, the game’s anticipated sequel was canceled, leading to a flurry of lawsuits. Now, as five rival studios work on their own games that could potentially follow in its footsteps, fans are left to ponder the dramatic unraveling of “Disco Elysium”‘s creators.
Recommendations
Cook: Indulge in this “classic French gratin,” a dish that perfectly blends sophistication with comforting flavors.
Understand: The latest AirPods Pro 3 are set to revolutionize communication with an innovative A.I. feature that translates languages directly in your ears.
Experiment: Explore the resurgence of “savory gelatins,” now crafted with high-quality ingredients for a modern culinary experience.
Travel: Discover the breathtaking beauty of remote Scottish islands, perhaps with a warming splash of whisky.
Play: Challenge yourself with fan favorites like “Spelling Bee,” the “Mini Crossword,” “Wordle,” and “Sudoku.” Find all our engaging games here.
That’s all for today. We’ll see you next week! — Katrin.
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