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One definition of '''Directed Energy Weapons''' is that they are "weapons [that] are not designed to kill people, but rather to kill electronics, disrupt or destroy digital devices that control information lifeblood of modern societies and modern military forces; these systems move beyond traditional jamming technology."[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40E10FE3E590C738EDDAB0894DB404482] '''Related Terms''' *[[electromagnetic weapons]] *[[electronic warfare]] *[[environmental warfare]] *[[high-power microwave (HPM)]] *[[information warfare]] *[[missile defense]] *[[particle-beam]] weapon (PBW) *[[space warfare]] ----------- [http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/article.cfm?Id=903 ''National Defense Magazine'', October 2002]: "Directed Energy Viewed as 'Transforming'" "The United States must speed up development of '''directed-energy weapons''', to stay ahead of potential enemies, said retired Air Force Gen. [[Ronald Fogleman]]. "'Directed-energy weapons [such as lasers] will be the cornerstone of America's arsenal in the 21st century. … [They have] the potential to become the single most transforming weapon,' he told a conference sponsored by the [[Lexington Institute]], a [[public policy]] [[think tank]]. "He noted that further development is needed to make laser weapons a reality, however. 'We understand the physics; it's no longer an issue of technology. Now [the problem] is engineering,' he said. "The ability to get laser weapons to the battlefield 'will be determined by our vision and determination,' he said. "Some non-lethal laser technologies have been tested in battle already, Fogleman said. Lasers were employed as tactical aids in Somalia, he said. In one instance, a laser was used as a spotlight to guide troops in the dark. The laser, invisible to the naked eye, could only be seen with night-vision goggles, he said. "Potential enemies of the United States are also investing in directed energy, Fogleman said. 'I'm not in the camp of people who believe China is our enemy, but you can't ignore their potential. I am led to believe that the Chinese are very actively working on these programs,' Fogleman said. Russia also had an extensive research program in this area, and 'they've done a lot of work in the field of high-powered microwave.'" --------- '''Funding''' [http://www.mediatransparency.org/search_results/info_on_any_recipient.php?recipientID=2573 MediaTransparency.org]: 2001, $105,000 for "The Security Implications of Directed Energy Weapons", funded by the [[Smith Richardson Foundation]]. ----------

== Other '''Related SourceWatch Resources == Terms''' *[[Intelligence Communityelectromagnetic weapons]] *[[nuclear weaponselectronic warfare]] *[[Operation Iraqi Freedomenvironmental warfare]] *[[Posthigh-war Iraqpower microwave (HPM)]] *[[U.S. Central Commandinformation warfare]] *[[War on terrorismmissile defense]] *[[Weapons of mass destructionparticle-beam]] weapon (PBW) *[[space warfare]]== External Links == ----*[[David Karcher]] and [[Eric Wertheim]], [http://www.homelanddefensejournalnationaldefensemagazine.comorg/scoop_nlwarticle.htm Safeguarding Peace, Safeguarding Life: How Non-Lethal Directed Energy Weapons Promise Both], cfm?Id=903 ''Homeland National Defense JournalMagazine'', no date. October 2002]: "Directed Energy Viewed as 'Transforming'" *[http://www.taiwandc.org/twcom/84-no3.htm China"The United States must speed up development of 's military threat. Laser anti-satellite technology], ''Taiwan Communiquedirected-energy weapons''', December 1998to stay ahead of potential enemies, said retired Air Force Gen. *[http://www[Ronald Fogleman]].nerac "'Directed-energy weapons [such as lasers] will be the cornerstone of America's arsenal in the 21st century.com/industries/government/tt_energy_weapons.htm Citations: Directed Energy Weapons… [They have] the potential to become the single most transforming weapon,' he told a conference sponsored by the [[Lexington Institute]], May 23, 2001. *a [[http://wwwpublic policy]] [[think tank]].house "He noted that further development is needed to make laser weapons a reality, however.gov/pitts/initiatives/ew/011005ew-speech-lexington'We understand the physics; it's no longer an issue of technology.htm Electronic Warfare Working GroupNow [the problem]is engineering, Statement of Congressman [[Joseph R' he said. Pitts]] "The ability to get laser weapons to the battlefield 'will be determined by our vision and determination, Lexington Institute Forum on Electronic Warfare, October 5, 2001' he said. *[[Daniel Goure]]"Some non-lethal laser technologies have been tested in battle already, [http://wwwFogleman said.navyleagueLasers were employed as tactical aids in Somalia, he said.org/sea_power/july_02_35In one instance, a laser was used as a spotlight to guide troops in the dark.php The Leading Edge of Transformation]laser, [[Navy League of invisible to the United States]]naked eye, could only be seen with night-vision goggles, July 2002he said. *[[Loren B"Potential enemies of the United States are also investing in directed energy, Fogleman said. Thompson]]'I'm not in the camp of people who believe China is our enemy, [http://wwwbut you can't ignore their potential.lexingtoninstitute.org/defense/energyforum_thompsonI am led to believe that the Chinese are very actively working on these programs,' Fogleman said.htm The Emerging Promise (Russia also had an extensive research program in this area, and Danger) 'they've done a lot of Directed-Energy Weapons], July 11, 2002work in the field of high-powered microwave. '" ==Funding==*[[John N. Hostettler]], [http:/http://www.lexingtoninstitutemediatransparency.org/defensesearch_results/energyforum_hostettlerinfo_on_any_recipient.php?recipientID=2573 MediaTransparency.htm Directed Energy and the Future of Securityorg]: 2001, $105, July 11000 for "The Security Implications of Directed Energy Weapons", 2002funded by the [[Smith Richardson Foundation]]. *Ian Hoffman, [http://www.highfrontier.org/OaklandTribune9-10-02.htm Another version of Star Wars looms. Bush awaits political support for missile-destroying satellites, says Livermore lab scientist== SourceWatch Resources ==*[[conflicts short of war]]*[[emerging threat]], ''Oakland Tribune'', September 10, 2002. *Frida Berrigan, [http://www.inthesetimes.com/issue/26/24/news1.shtml Now You See, Now You Don't. The Pentagon's blinding lasers[Intelligence Community]]*[[nuclear weapons]]*[[Operation Iraqi Freedom]], ''inthesetimes'', September 27, 2002: "*[[Lockheed MartinPost-war Iraq]] and *[[Raytheonpsychological warfare]], who together had $20*[[revolution in military affairs]]*[[U.S.3 billion in Pentagon contracts in 2001, are collaborating on development Central Command]]*[[War on terrorism]]*[[Weapons of ''directed energy weapons''--powerful 100-kilowatt infrared lasers for use on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter." mass destruction]] *Scott Canon== External Links ==*[[David Karcher]] and [[Eric Wertheim]], [http://archiveswww.charlestonhomelanddefensejournal.netcom/pub/archive/terror/26weaponsscoop_nlw.htm "Safeguarding Peace, Safeguarding Life: How Non-Lethal Directed Energy weapons pose risk to high-tech U.S. militaryWeapons Promise Both,"]''Homeland Defense Journal'', Knight-Kidder, December 26, 2002no date. *[http://www.cbctaiwandc.caorg/newstwcom/features/iraq/new_bombs84-no3.html New Bombs], htm "China''cbcs military threat.caLaser anti-satellite technology,"] ''Taiwan Communique'', January 2003December 1998. *Loren B. Thompson, [http://www.lexingtoninstitutenerac.orgcom/defenseindustries/government/photonstt_energy_weapons.asp Defeating Iraq with Photonshtm Citations: Directed Energy Weapons], January 7May 23, 20032001. *[http://newswww.bbchouse.co.ukgov/1pitts/hiinitiatives/technologyew/2679835011005ew-speech-lexington.stm US working on lightning weaponhtm Electronic Warfare Working Group], ''BBC''Statement of Congressman [[Joseph R. Pitts]], January 21Lexington Institute Forum on Electronic Warfare, 2003: "The US Air Force is working on developing a man-made bolt of lightning powerful enough to fry sophisticated computer and electronic components in weapons." *[httpOctober 5, 2001.*[[Daniel Goure]], [http://www.lexingtoninstitutenavyleague.org/defensesea_power/DirectEngeryjuly_02_35.pdf Directed-Energy Weapons: Technologiesphp "The Leading Edge of Transformation, Applications and Implications"] [[Navy League of the United States]], Lexington Institute, February 2003July 2002. *Will Dunham[[Loren B. Thompson]], [http://www.globalsecuritylexingtoninstitute.org/orgdefense/news/2003/030202energyforum_thompson.htm "The Emerging Promise (and Danger) of Directed-ebomb01Energy Weapons,"] Lexington Institute, July 11, 2002.htm U*[[John N.S. may debut secret microwave weapon versus IraqHostettler]], Reuters, February 2, 2003[http: "These weapons could be used to disable enemy command //www.lexingtoninstitute.org/defense/energyforum_hostettler.htm "Directed Energy and control centers, communications facilitiesthe Future of Security, air defense radars"] Lexington Institute, chemical or biological weapons storage or production sitesJuly 11, and sophisticated vehicles2002.*Ian Hoffman, missiles and aircraft[http://www. highfrontier.org/OaklandTribune9-10-02..The devices generate a momentary, intense energy pulse producing a gargantuan power surge htm "Another version of Star Wars looms. Bush awaits political support for missile-- millions of watts -- that would fry practically any modern electronic device within a modest range of hundreds of yards (meters)destroying satellites, says Livermore lab scientist,"] ''Oakland Tribune'', September 10, 2002." *Victorino MatusFrida Berrigan, [http://www.theweeklystandardinthesetimes.com/Contentissue/Public26/Articles24/000/000/002/209qmchbnews1.asp Dropping the E-bomb. High-power microwaves are ready for use against Iraqshtml "Now You See, Now You Don't. How will they work and just how dangerous are they?], The Pentagon's blinding lasers,"] ''The Weekly StandardIn These Times'', February 5September 27, 2003. *2002: "[[Edward Jay Epstein|Edward EpsteinLockheed Martin]] and [[Raytheon]], [http://wwwwho together had $20.sfgate.com/cgi3 billion in Pentagon contracts in 2001, are collaborating on development of ''directed energy weapons''--powerful 100-bin/article.cgi?file=kilowatt infrared lasers for use on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter."*Scott Canon, [http:/c/aarchives.charleston.net/2003pub/02archive/14terror/MN14851326weapons.DTL htm "Energy weapons pose risk to high-tech U.S. has new weapon ready. It could kill circuits but spare peoplemilitary,"]Knight-Ridder, ''sfgateDecember 26, 2002.com'', February 14, 2003.  *Frank Vizard, [http://www.sciamcbc.comca/news/features/iraq/articlenew_bombs.cfm?chanID=sa004&articleID=00000CB6-18E9-1E4D-967D809EC588EEDF Extinguishing the Threathtml "New Bombs,"] ''cbc. U.S. special weapons may target Iraqi chemical and biological threats], ''Scientific American'ca'', February 18, January 2003. *[Loren B. Thompson, [http://newsvotewww.bbclexingtoninstitute.co.ukorg/mpappsdefense/pagetools/print/newsphotons.bbc.coasp "Defeating Iraq with Photons,"] Lexington Institute, January 7, 2003.*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/21/hi/in_depthtechnology/28470292679835.stm Fact file: E-bombs"US working on lightning weapon,"], ''BBC'', March 14January 21, 2003. *George Edmonson, [http://www.wpxi.com: "The US Air Force is working on developing a man-made bolt of lightning powerful enough to fry sophisticated computer and electronic components in weapons."*[http:/iraq/2041259/detailwww.lexingtoninstitute.html New org/defense/DirectEngery.pdf "Directed-Energy Weapons And Greater Precision Would Be Part Of War With Iraq. Military Preparing To Field Array Of Precision Technology: Technologies, Applications and Implications,"]Lexington Institute, ''Cox News'', March 14, February 2003. *Stuart MillarWill Dunham, [http://www.guardianglobalsecurity.co.ukorg/org/militarynews/story2003/0,11816,917273,00030202-ebomb01.html US htm "U.S. may debut secret microwave bomb to make debut in most hi-tech battlefield campaign ever. Claims that smart device wipes out circuitry of tanks and missile systems without harming troops]weapon versus Iraq,"] Reuters, ''Guardian UK''February 2, March 192003: "These weapons could be used to disable enemy command and control centers, 2003. *Seay Davidsoncommunications facilities, [http://wwwair defense radars, chemical or biological weapons storage or production sites, and sophisticated vehicles, missiles and aircraft. ..commondreams.org/headlines03/0928The devices generate a momentary, intense energy pulse producing a gargantuan power surge --07.htm Superbomb Ignites Science Disputemillions of watts -- that would fry practically any modern electronic device within a modest range of hundreds of yards (meters). Pentagon Advisers Challenge Experiments Behind Nonnuclear Weapon]"*Victorino Matus, [http://www.theweeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/002/209qmchb.asp "Dropping the E-bomb. High-power microwaves are ready for use against Iraq. How will they work and just how dangerous are they?"], ''San Francisco Chronicle'', '[[Weekly Standard Magazine]]'', February 5, 2003.*[[Edward Jay Epstein|Edward Epstein]], [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2003/02/14/MN148513.DTL "U.S. has new weapon ready. It could kill circuits but spare people,"] ''San Francisco Chronicle'', February 14, 2003.*Frank Vizard, [http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanID=sa004&articleID=00000CB6-18E9-1E4D-967D809EC588EEDF "Extinguishing the Threat. U.S. special weapons may target Iraqi chemical and biological threats,"] ''Scientific American'', February 18, 2003.*[http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mpapps/pagetools/print/news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/2847029.stm Fact file: E-bombs], ''BBC'', March 14, 2003.*George Edmonson, [http://www.wpxi.com/iraq/2041259/detail.html "New Weapons And Greater Precision Would Be Part Of War With Iraq. Military Preparing To Field Array Of Precision Technology,"] ''Cox News'', March 14, 2003.*Stuart Millar, [http://www.guardian.co.uk/military/story/0,11816,917273,00.html "US microwave bomb to make debut in most hi-tech battlefield campaign ever. Claims that smart device wipes out circuitry of tanks and missile systems without harming troops,"] ''Guardian'' (UK), March 19, 2003.*Seay Davidson, [http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/0928-07.htm "Superbomb Ignites Science Dispute. Pentagon Advisers Challenge Experiments Behind Nonnuclear Weapon,"] ''San Francisco Chronicle'', September 28, 2003. *[http://www.you.com.au/news/2237.htm Radiofrequency Weapons28, 2003.*[http://www.you.com.au/news/2237.htm "Radiofrequency Weapons,"], ''you.com.au'', November 2003.