Directed energy weapons (DEWs) are a type of electromagnetic or particle technology which use energy, as opposed to a physical projectile, to strike a target. DEWs have been under development for many decades. Despite initial enthusiasm and research around this technology, progress on DEWs has faced a range of technical and operational challenges. Yet, in recent years, the technology has matured and there has been an increase in funding of these capabilities.

Systems that show shooters where to aim when engaging moving targets could offer another layer of defense against the drone threat on land and at sea.