Lasers do indeed seem to be coming into their own. A few more years and I wouldn't be at all suprised if they became an active part of our military.

And people thought that Reagans starwars project was stupid........

Can you imagine the world shock whe they are first used?

its going to be a revelation to many people

They are already using them . The LONS system has been in use in Afghanistan. It is a EOD Humvee mounted unit , "claimed", 300 meter range, to dispose of unexploded ordinance.

The Chinese laser is for optical effects on missiles guidance or the optical tracker and the gunner. It WOULD NOT destroy the missle and,WOULD NOT have any effects on a kinetic round such as the ones put to good use by US tankers against Iraqui armor (apfds) (sabot) The second link you posted describes a hard kill countermeasure (along w/ecm and optical countermeasures) defensive projectiles could bring something down, working somewhat like the sensor fused weapon,because it would take more than buckshot or the like to derail a 17lb. dart going 4-5000 f.p.s.

[Edited on 15-5-2004 by bign]

Contrary to science fiction, the lasers will not be visible streams of light. Instead, targets will simply explode

Damn, there was me hoping for some star trek style phaser action! hehe

Don't fret too much, I'm sure it is coming in one form or another. When they really miniturize the ATL or it's successor and give armor a laser CLOSE IN WEAPON SYSTEM with lightning fast reactions. As far as a force field or barrier, I don't think so.