Kenneth Krieg, Pentagon acquisition chief, has asked the Defense Science Board to form a task force on directed energy. The request, outlined in an Oct. 30 memo, asks the DSB to review current uses of DE in the Defense Department and other organizations and find out how to “weaponize” DE systems. Krieg also wants the task force to examine vulnerabilities “in regards to offensive use of DE weapons” and study the legal, treaty, and policy issues that could affect use of DE. Krieg expects to see the DSB report by May 31.
The U.S. military is sending more fighter jets to the Middle East to step up its war with Iran, adding to what is already the largest buildup of airpower in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. For now, the operation shows little sign of coming to a quick…