The skies over modern battlefields are increasingly contested by swarms of drones, a challenge vividly demonstrated by Russia’s tactics in Ukraine. These inexpensive, yet potent, unmanned aircraft are prompting nations to rethink their air defense strategies. Foreign correspondent Lara Jakes delves into this complex issue, exploring how advanced laser weapons could offer a revolutionary solution to this evolving threat.
NATO Grapples with the Drone Dilemma
A stark new reality has emerged on the European frontier: Russian drones, once a distant threat, are now breaching borders, as seen with recent incursions into Poland. While NATO swiftly deployed fighter jets to intercept these intruders, many drones, some crudely constructed from plywood and foam, slipped through the sophisticated air defense networks. This alarming vulnerability exposes a critical imbalance in contemporary warfare: the colossal cost of traditional missile defenses versus the minimal expense of an attacking drone.
This “math problem” has compelled NATO to urgently reassess and upgrade its defensive capabilities. Ukraine, at the forefront of this new threat, has improvised with diverse countermeasures, from physical barriers like nets and cages to machine guns mounted on various platforms, and even developing its own counter-drone systems. However, a more definitive and scalable solution is on the horizon.
The answer, increasingly, points towards high-energy laser weapon systems.
Across Western nations, the development and deployment of laser-based armaments are accelerating. These innovative systems promise a more economical and efficient way to neutralize drone threats compared to conventional missiles and rockets. Such technology has already seen active deployment in conflict zones by forces in Israel and Ukraine. The accompanying video offers a detailed explanation of how these cutting-edge laser weapons operate.
Apollo and the Future of Directed Energy Weapons
One promising development comes from Australia’s Electro Optic Systems, which boasts a laser system capable of downing 20 drones per minute. This “Apollo” system, named after the Greek god of light, is a 100-kilowatt laser with a per-shot cost of less than 10 cents once installed. A European NATO member has already committed to purchasing this technology, with deliveries expected by 2028, at an approximate cost of $83 million per system, including training and support.
Meanwhile, the U.S. military is heavily invested in its own laser weapon programs, dedicating around $1 billion annually to research and development. Their ambitious goal for next year is a one-megawatt weapon, which could potentially intercept ballistic and hypersonic missiles. Current 100-kilowatt lasers are primarily effective against drones, artillery shells, and mortars.
The global demand for advanced air defenses has surged, particularly in regions like the Middle East, East Asia, and the United States. The sophisticated drone swarms employed in Ukraine by both sides, including audacious drone assaults deep within Russia, have underscored the universal vulnerability to this evolving threat. The strategic deployment of laser technology and other novel defensive solutions will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of conflicts both present and future.
Media Crackdown: The Jimmy Kimmel Controversy
The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s popular late-night show signals an unprecedented media crackdown by the Trump administration. Jim Rutenberg reports that President Trump, despite earlier vows against government censorship, is actively using his power to suppress reporting and commentary he deems unfavorable.
On Air Force One, Trump reportedly suggested revoking broadcast licenses for networks who are overly negatively about him. This move triggered a sharply divided response across America: conservatives celebrated the decision, while liberals expressed outrage, further highlighting the nation’s deep partisan chasm.
Veteran late-night host David Letterman observed the escalating situation, stating, “We all see where this is going, correct? It’s managed media.”
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MORE TOP NEWS
U.K.: On the final day of Trump’s state visit, he and Prime Minister Keir Starmer exchanged praise while publicly disagreeing over Palestinian statehood. The two leaders also signed a new technology partnership agreement.
Fed: The Trump administration has petitioned the Supreme Court to allow the president to remove Lisa Cook from her position as a Federal Reserve governor.
Syria: President Ahmed al-Shara indicated that a U.S.-brokered border agreement with Israel could be finalized within days.
Russia: Dmitri Kozak, a long-serving aide to President Vladimir Putin, who had previously opposed the invasion of Ukraine, was granted a rare resignation from his post.
France: Demonstrators gathered in the streets to protest a new government austerity plan, with the rallying cry “Tax the rich” echoing widely.
Tech: Nvidia announced plans to invest $5 billion in its competitor, Intel, which has been facing financial struggles.
Immigration: Lawyers representing Mahmoud Khalil have asked a federal judge to intervene after an immigration court ordered his deportation to either Syria or Algeria.
Pope: Compared to his predecessors, Pope Leo XIV has offered few indications about his stance on various church issues, maintaining a notably ambiguous position.
GO DEEPER
Trump family: A Times investigation revealed that Tiffany Trump enjoyed a cruise on an oil mogul’s yacht while her father-in-law, a State Department adviser, was involved in negotiating oil deals.
Energy: Laos is emerging as a key location where China’s green-tech revolution is delivering more than just affordable energy. The wider question remains: what will Beijing’s ambitious climate goals truly cost the world?
SPORTS NEWS
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Soccer: Newcastle United adopted a unique rugby play strategy to gain a competitive advantage on the field.
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Tennis: Björn Borg discussed his life after tennis, the internal struggles he faced, and a profound near-death experience in an interview with The Athletic.
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Baseball: Major League Baseball said it wouldn’t play two games it had planned in London in 2026.
MORNING READ
Metropol, one of Hong Kong’s largest and last remaining dim sum parlors that still uses traditional carts, is set to close its doors this month. With its closure, a beloved part of Hong Kong’s dining culture will also fade: the iconic “dim sum cart aunties.” These middle-aged women, known for their charmingly gruff demeanor, weave through restaurants, enthusiastically calling out the dishes in their carts — “Pork ribs! Beef meatballs! Quail egg siu mai!”
CONVERSATION STARTERS
Fashion: Gwyneth Paltrow, with her new brand GWYN, aims to establish herself as the next Ralph Lauren in the fashion world.
Hey, millennials: A new book celebrates this “anxious, unhappy, successful, pop-culture-obsessed, middle-aged, cringey” generation.
Kicked out: China is reportedly losing its status as the world’s leading sneaker factory, with production shifting significantly to Vietnam.
ARTS AND IDEAS
How a Hit Video Game Tore Apart Its Creators
The success of the video game Disco Elysium, released in 2019, took everyone by surprise, especially its creators—a small group of young socialists and artists from Estonia. Its intricate prose and political depth resonated deeply with an audience craving sophisticated storytelling, leading PC Gamer magazine to rank it as the second-best computer game of all time.
However, despite the critical acclaim, the story of Disco Elysium’s creation is also one of internal conflict: a planned sequel was canceled, and lawsuits were exchanged. Now, as five different studios work on games that aim to be its spiritual successors, fans are left to ponder how such a celebrated project could ultimately unravel.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Cook: This classic French gratin offers a perfect blend of sophistication and comfort in a creamy potato dish.
Understand: The latest AirPods Pro 3 leverage artificial intelligence to provide real-time language translation directly into your ears, marking a significant leap in personal technology.
Experiment: Savory gelatins are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, now crafted with high-quality, modern ingredients.
Travel: Enjoy ethereal beauty with a splash of whisky on these remote Scottish islands.
Play: Engage your mind with daily puzzles like Spelling Bee, the Mini Crossword, Wordle, and Sudoku. Find all our available games here.
That’s it for today. See you next week. — Katrin.
A correction: Yesterday’s newsletter misstated Shohei Ohtani’s latest home run record. He hit 50 home runs in back-to-back seasons, not in one season.
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