Lithuania is one of the world leaders in the laser industry and these technologies are increasingly being applied in the military field. Experts point out that lasers can play an essential role in various defense applications, from reconnaissance and target marking to disrupting electronic systems and even developing direct energy weapons.
Lithuania’s position in the laser market
Vytautas Jukna, PhD, Faculty of Physics, Vilnius University, says that Lithuania is already one of the world leaders in laser technology. “Lasers are used in many industrial fields, from materials processing to space research. And the fact that our country’s laser sector is distinguished by its advanced technologies allows us to expand our capabilities in the defense sector as well,” the scientist said.
Currently, around 90% of Lithuanian lasers are exported to international markets, but investment in funding for local companies and research could help Lithuania to gain a stronger foothold in this field. “By developing the laser ecosystem and investing in talent development and new technologies, Lithuania can further expand its role in the global laser industry,” adds Dr Jukna.
Lasers in the defense industry
Andrius Melninkaitis, PhD in Physics and CEO of Lidaris, also sees the potential of lasers in the military field. He believes that the high-quality femtosecond, picosecond, and nanosecond lasers being developed in Lithuania can be used for national defense applications. “Laser technologies open up new opportunities for intelligence, weapon systems, and defense against various threats. For example, lasers can be used as direct-energy weapons capable of neutralizing drones, or as advanced communication systems for transmitting sensitive military information,” explains Dr. Melninkaitis.
Military interest and investment
Technological advances are also encouraging the Lithuanian Armed Forces to seek innovative solutions. The Defence Resources Agency under the Ministry of National Defence notes that lasers are already being used for target marking, electronic jamming, navigation, and information transmission. “Lithuanian laser companies are successfully joining European Defence Fund projects. For example, Altechna Sensing is participating in an initiative to develop a high-power (up to 100 kW) laser weapon,” the agency said.
One of the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ projects is “Laser communication between ships”, which is being developed by the start-up Astrolight together with the Centre for Physical and Technological Sciences. The system could improve communication and enhance the operational capabilities of the Navy.
Despite the great potential of laser technologies, their military applications face challenges. “Laser systems are energy-intensive and sensitive to environmental conditions, so their integration into defense systems needs to be well thought out and continuously improved,” says the Defence Resources Agency.
Future prospects
Lithuania’s growing laser sector and its active participation in international defense projects show that its science and business can become important players in this sector. Investing in talent development and research will not only strengthen national security but also help Lithuania to establish itself as an innovative technology nation.
Source: TV3.lt