> None of those countries are using directed energy weapons

The USS Preble is equipped with HELIOS and is in Iran. [0] The US has also used "dazzlers" there too (as mentioned in the linked X thread). [1]

Israel's Iron Beam was used against Hezbollah's drones (Iranian tech), with apparently limited return for it, this could explain why it won't be seeing action in Iran. [3][4]

The only alleged case of Russia using DEWs was in August 2025. [5] Admittedly, it was a reach for me to even name them.

As cost-effective (and cool-sounding) as DEWs are meant to be, there's a reason the US and Gulf states are beckoning Ukraine for help. At the same time, the Pentagon want's to ramp up development with 3 years and the US military at large seems to be bullish on lasers...[6]

[0]: https://xcancel.com/sebastienroblin/status/20361510681621877...

[1]: https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/navy-news/2026/u-s-navy...

[3]: https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-889677

[4]: https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-889701

[5]: https://t.me/milinfolive/154597?single/

[6]: https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2026/03/18/th...