
Why the Army is investing $400 million in high-energy lasers

CB News
2 followers
1 Video View·Aug 18, 2026
Mark Cancian, CSIS defense and security senior adviser, joins NewsNation to discuss high-energy lasers that the Army will reportedly spend $400 million on.
"The Hill on NewsNation" combines the power of two trusted news sources to define today's most-pressing issues, and question Washington's power brokers on what matters most to the people they serve and what matters most to Americans. Weekdays at 6p/5C.
AI Generated·May contain errors
Video Summary
AI GeneratedThe U.S. Army plans to invest $400 million in high-energy laser technology to combat small-to-medium-sized drones. These systems offer a cost-effective, rapid-response alternative to traditional defenses, though they are part of a broader integrated strategy involving electronic warfare and interceptor drones.
