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Though directed energy technologies have existed for decades, they have always faced a range of technical and operational challenges that prevented their use in the field. But these challenges are being overcome as the technology continues to mature. The military use of a range of directed energy weapons (DEW) in the field—which include lasers, high-powered

Home What We Do Events Directed Energy Weapons: The ‘new’ option for militaries Online 3 November 2021 Past Share URL copied to clipboard <img src="https://unidir.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Tech-Briefing.png" alt="Directed Energy Weapons: The ‘new’ option for militaries" class="single-post__img" data-eio="l"> Though directed energy technologies have existed for decades, they have always faced a range of technical and operational challenges that prevented their use in the field. But these challenges are being overcome as the technology continues to mature. The military use of a range of directed energy weapons (DEW) in the field—which include lasers, high-powered microwaves and particle beam weapons—is becoming a reality. Indeed, the Secretary-General’s 2021 report on Current developments in science and technology and their potential impact on international security and disarmament efforts highlights DEW as an area which could potentially impact international security. What are these weapons and how do they work? How do DEW compare to conventional weapons? What are the legal, ethical and security challenges around their use? And what are their implications for existing arms control frameworks? This closed briefing will offer a comprehensive introduction to DEW technology and provide a platform for audience members to ask questions about its broad implications for peace and international security. This meeting is part of a series of informal briefings organized by UNIDIR’s Security and Technology programme. It will introduce participants to DEWs, explain what effects different types would lead to, and discuss the impact these weapon systems may have on international security over the coming years. SPEAKERS Dr. Jürgen Altmann, Researcher and Lecturer, Department of Physics at TU Dortmund University Ms. Sarah Grand-Clément, Researcher, Security and Technology and Conventional Arms Programmes at UNIDIR PARTICIPANTS Please note that this event is by invitation only. For further information, please contact [email protected]. WHEN & WHERE November 3 2021 15:00-16:00 CET | Online. Share URL copied to clipboard Subscribe to our monthly newsletter Subscribe Please enter a valid email address Successfully subscribed to our newsletter Connect with us Upcoming and recent events Space Security Event Outer Space Security Conference 2026 8 - 9 September 2026 Cross-Programme Event Directed energy weapon developments in counter-UAS defence 24 June 2026 Security and Technology Event Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics 2026 18 - 19 June 2026 Cross-Programme Event Inter-faith dialogue on artificial intelligence, security and ethics 12 June 2026 Middle East WMD-Free Zone Event Non-proliferation and disarmament trends in the Middle East 8 June 2026 Conventional Weapons Event Strengthening armed violence prevention: West African insights to transform words into action 4 June 2026 Integrated Approaches Event Advancing the integration between small arms and light weapons control and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda: Opportunities and good practices 3 June 2026 Security and Technology Event Road to AISE26 webinar series 29 May - 15 June 2026 Cross-Programme Event Additive manufacturing and arms and transfer control 21 May 2026 View All Events Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and stay up to date. Don’t miss out on our latest activities, publications and events! Subscribe Please enter a valid email address Successfully subscribed to our newsletter

Directed Energy Weapons: The ‘new’ option for militaries → UNIDIR