Directed-Energy Weapons: Invisible and Invincible?

A military weapon is any tool used to increase the reach or power of a nation. Simply, it can be said that each era witnesses the deployment of new and powerful mass destruction weaponry. What will this centurys most powerful weapon be Directed-energy weapons, which offer advantages over conventional weapons by providing attack at the speed of light, precise targeting, rapid engagement of multiple targets, adjustable damage capacity, low operational cost, reduced logistic support, a nearly unlimited magazine, and wide area coverage for offensive and defensive purposes, seem to be at the forefront of the next revolution in military weapons. This thesis provides an understanding of the principles and techniques of directed-energy weapons. In addition, key directed-energy weapon DEW programs in laser weapons and RF directed-energy weapons high-power microwaves will be fully described, as well as a providing comparison of these DEW types from a military utility perspective. Last but not least, this study will assist in establishing a vision for how directed-energy weapons could revolutionize military affairs in the Turkish Armed Forces of the future.