Netherlands to invest in laser weapons to counter drone threats

The Netherlands plans to invest in laser weapon systems as part of its efforts to counter drone threats, according to Anadolu Agency.

The Dutch defence secretary said laser-based systems could provide a faster and cheaper response option compared with existing counter-drone methods, which often rely on more costly interceptor missiles or other conventional defence measures. The remarks point to a broader push within European defence planning to find more cost-effective ways of neutralizing the growing number of drones being used for surveillance and attacks.

Interest in directed-energy weapons, including lasers, has grown among Western militaries in recent years as the proliferation of low-cost drones has strained traditional air defence systems, which are often far more expensive per shot than the drones they are used against. Proponents of laser weapons argue that, once developed and fielded, they could offer a much lower cost per engagement, since firing a laser does not consume munitions in the way that missile-based interceptors do.

The Dutch announcement follows similar interest from other countries in Europe and beyond in developing laser and other directed-energy systems for air defence, part of a broader response to the increasing use of drones in conflicts, including the war in Ukraine.

Details on the scale of the Netherlands' planned investment and the expected timeline for deployment were not specified in the initial report.