How laser weapons could change the economics of European air defence

Lord John Hudson, former UK Secretary of State for Defence, joins Shephard to discuss Europe’s air defence challenges. He argues that high-energy laser weapons offer a nearly limitless ammunition supply for such threats.

Hudson highlights capability gaps across NATO, including limited deployed laser systems, and stresses the need to accelerate procurement timelines. He points to lessons from recent conflicts and the example of a drone incursion into Lithuanian airspace, which NATO aircraft were called in to destroy, as illustrating the economic pressures on European defences.

Sources: Shephard Media (YouTube)