Laser weapons going strong, fielding needed --Northrop

Source URL: http://today.reuters.com/investing/financeArticle.aspx?type=bondsNews&storyID=2006-01-18T002844Z_01_N17345403_RTRIDST_0_ARMS-LASERS.XML
Posted at: http://www.air-attack/com/news/news_article/992

WASHINGTON, Jan 17 (Reuters) - The U.S. defense industry is making great strides in developing powerful laser weapons, and an initial weapon could be ready for combat use in Iraq and Afghanistan within 18 months, Los Angeles-based Northrop Grumman Corp. (NOC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Tuesday.

Rich Dunn, senior analyst at the Northrop Grumman Analysis Center said a chemical laser weapon could soon be shooting rockets and mortar rounds from battlefield skies if the U.S. military made it a top priority, backed by sufficient funds.

Fielding this next generation of weapons would give the military important "hands on, practical experience" and help officials better plan for their use in the future, he said.

"Despite progress in the technical development of laser weapons, the development of concepts for their operational use is not keeping pace," said a report prepared by Dunn.

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