Lasers in Defense: Established and Emerging Applications

Abstract

This poster presents a structured overview of consolidated and emerging military applications of laser systems. The applications are organized into three main domains: optical communications, navigation, sensing, guidance and control, and directed-energy systems. The communication domain includes fiber-optic networks, high-capacity optical links, free-space optical communications, quantum key distribution, and emerging quantum interconnections. The navigation and sensing domain includes optical gyroscopes, laser altimetry, Doppler velocimetry, laser ranging and target designation, LIDAR, active imaging, atmospheric sensing, and remote-sensing techniques. The directed-energy domain addresses electro-optical protection and countermeasures, temporary sensor degradation, and destructive effects on optoelectronic devices, external components, and structural materials. The poster also identifies cross-cutting photonic technologies for radiofrequency systems, radar, and electronic warfare. Each application is assigned an approximate operational-maturity category: consolidated operational use, limited or expanding deployment, or emerging technology, prototype, or demonstration. Prepared at the Centro de Competência em Guerra Eletrônica, Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica — CCGE/ITA, Brazil, in July 2026.