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LASER QUEST

Donald Trump wants £50million to build laser drones that can shoot down North Korean nukes

Wars of the future will increasingly use both lasers and drones as depicted in this BAE Systems graphic

DONALD Trump is gunning for multi-million programme to develop and operate drones which can zap Kim Jong-un’s nukes.

US President wants a $66 million (£55m) to continue his top secret laser weapon programme which is set to revolutionise warfare as well as neutralising North Korea.

 Wars of the future will increasingly use both lasers and drones as depicted in this BAE Systems graphic
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Wars of the future will increasingly use both lasers and drones as depicted in this BAE Systems graphicCredit: BAE Systems

The laser that can be mounted on a drone which can be used to seek out and destroy enemy missiles while still on the launch pad, reports .

If enough of them are in the sky they could even zap a rocket that has been launched and is careering to its target.

China is currently vying with the US to produce the most powerful laser weapon.

Physicists in Shanghai are constructing what they call a "Station of Extreme Light", which could be operational as soon as 2023.

 The laser guns could be fitted to drones and be activated by pilots sitting on a comfy chair thousands of miles away from the target site
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The laser guns could be fitted to drones and be activated by pilots sitting on a comfy chair thousands of miles away from the target siteCredit: PA:Press Association

This could emit enormously powerful laser pulses that create "extremes of temperature not normally found on Earth".

But the US wants to keep ahead and is ploughing large amounts of research cash into the gaming-changing weapon.

As reported, the US Navy has purchased $150m (£100m) laser cannons for its warships.

US Navy's new MEGA LASER can fry boats, drones and incoming missiles

These so-called "high-energy lasers" use huge amounts of power to destroy their targets and will soon be operational.

Speaking in 2016, then Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. William Moran, said: "Low-cost directed energy weapons have to be part of our future.

"If we have to continue to rely on projectiles, we will run out of the ability to defend ourselves."


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