The Navy Is Arming Nuclear Subs With Lasers. No One Knows Why.

[rangerrebew]

The Navy Is Arming Nuclear Subs With Lasers. No One Knows Why.

Nuclear reactors can easily power laser weapons, but what’s the target?

By David Hambling   
Feb 4, 2020


Laser weapons can strike at the speed of light, and they’re quickly deploying to every possible fighting domain, whether on land, in the air, and at sea. But what about under the sea?

Open-source budget documents, the earliest of which date back to 2011, show the Navy’s plans to arm Virginia-class nuclear subs with high-energy laser weapons. It’s a strange idea seeing as laser weapons definitely do not work underwater. Submarines are also quiet recluses by design, rarely popping their heads above water

But despite these glaring contradictions, experts talking to Popular Mechanics say a laser sub makes more sense than you might think.

https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/navy-ships/a30647372/laser-nuclear-subs/

[Elderberry]

As these subs occasionally moor in foreign ports, the laser would make a wonderful defensive weapon while pulling in and out of ports and while docked.

[sneakypete]

As long as the Navy knows why,I don't care what the reason is.

[dfwgator]

What about sharks with lasers attached to their heads.

[sneakypete]

What about sharks with lasers attached to their heads.

@dfwgator

That mean shark done shot one of the Village People!

[Smokin Joe]

As long as the Navy knows why,I don't care what the reason is.

Well, for one thing, that nuclear reactor can produce the power required.

[sneakypete]

Well, for one thing, that nuclear reactor can produce the power required.

@Smokin Joe

You are saying they are doing it because they CAN?

I'm ok with that.

[Smokin Joe]

@Smokin Joe

You are saying they are doing it because they CAN?

I'm ok with that.

Aside from having the potential to kick butt better than a deck gun, they may have antimissile capabilities, too. Imagine, for a second, that you have submarines with not only offensive capabilities, but which can serve as antimissile platforms as well, only no one knows they are there. True 'defense in depth'. The only problem is that the sub would have to surface to use it.