The laser as tactical and strategic weapon: Laser technology has revolutionized conventional warfare and promises to transform dramatically the way battles are fought

In 1972, in Operation Linebacker, the Thanh-Hoa Bridge (Vietnam) was completely destroyed via a laser-designated bomb after repeated attempts with ordinary bombs failed to eliminate the bridge at a cost of more than 100 lost or damaged aircraft. Since then, the unique properties of laser technology have been exploited to provide the modern military force with combat capabilities that existed only in thought just a few years ago [Fig. 1]. Current and proposed laser devices will revolutionize the way in which battles are fought.