Why lasers, at $3 per shot, may be the next frontier for stopping drone attacks

TL;DR

Cheaply made Iranian drones pose a significant threat, draining U.S. weapons stockpiles due to the high cost of missile interceptors used for defense.
Laser technology offers a potentially cost-effective solution, with a per-shot cost of a few dollars compared to millions for missile interceptors.
AeroVironment's Locust laser system uses AI and an Xbox controller for targeting, capable of detecting drones up to 7 miles away.
Scaling up laser production and obtaining government approval for international sales are hurdles for widespread deployment.
Critics question the long-term effectiveness of lasers, citing concerns about performance, accuracy, power requirements, and operational capabilities in adverse weather conditions.

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