While the Air Force shepherded ABL development, there was talk about potential air-to-air use, but, since moving to MDA, the program has concentrated on missiles, said Daniels. But, he added, “I don’t think that will go away—an airplane is a soft target.” He believes there will be many more uses for directed energy weapons in years ahead. “I’m convinced that directed energy is going to be a way of life for the future for fighting wars,” said Daniels. It may take 10 or 20 years, but “you’re going to see a lot of directed energy weapons.” (Read more at right in “From Science Fiction to Reality.”)
B-1 Bomber Task Force Deploys to Misawa, Japan
Oct. 18, 2025
A quartet of B-1Bs from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas have landed at Misawa AB, Japan, likely for a series of exercises with Japanese, U.S. and Australian forces.
