See MoD UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy, Section B7 (Complex Weapons), page 113 (Directed Energy Weapons).
Directed Energy Weapons (DEW)
We judge that Directed Energy technologies (lasers and radio
frequencies) could be highly significant in the future, particularly for
protecting our Forces from a range of threats, including Improvised
Explosive Devices. They could also offer the UK non-kinetic and
/ or less-lethal options to replace, enhance or complement
traditional kinetic weapons, such as missiles, and offer significant
opportunities to reduce collateral damage, notably in urban
areas. Due to the reusable nature of the technology and some of
its potential applications, there is also potential for a significant
reduction in the logistic footprint and whole life costs compared
with conventional weapons. We are assessing the potential
military utility of DEW technology through a number of research
programmes. Aspects of these programmes include technology
development, user requirements and concepts of operations.