
U.S. forces in the Middle East are using directed energy (DE) weapon systems to protect themselves against enemy drone and missile attacks, but more are needed as part of a layered defense and to lower self-defense costs, the commander of U.S. Central Command said on Thursday. Army forces supporting CENTCOM in the Middle East are experimenting with mobile, short-rage DE air defense systems, Army Gen. Michael Kurilla told the Senate Armed Services Committee. Kurilla said he “would love” to have…