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

Military lasers can be categorized as either tactical or strategic. Tactical applications generally use low-energy or low-power lasers, meaning those that generate single pulse energies of a kilojoule or less and continuous wave powers of 20000 watts or less. Strategic laser systems generate pulse energies and continuous wave powers considerably higher than those given above. A comparison of strategic and tactical laser systems and their related parameters is given. Representative applications of each category are described, and current research to extend the capabilities of lasers is surveyed.