Plasma weapons and deterrence in the age of emerging military technologies

By Mohammad Eslami | March 12, 2026

The Navy ship USS Portland conducted a high-energy laser weapon system demonstration while sailing in the Gulf of Aden on December 14, 2021. Lasers and plasma weapons are considered a form of “directed energy weapons.” Image courtesy of US Marine Corps / Staff Sgt. Donald Holbert

Plasma weapons and deterrence in the age of emerging military technologies

By Mohammad Eslami | March 12, 2026

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