Directed-energy weapons market to reach $24 billion

The worldwide market for directed-energy weapons will rise to $24.31 billion over the next five years at a combined annual growth rate of nearly 24 percent, predict analysts at market researcher MarketsandMarkets in Vancouver, Wash. Among the factors driving the directed-energy market are increasing demand for lasers in naval applications, such as countering missiles and unmanned aircraft, analysts say. Demand for non-lethal, directed-energy weapons as deterrents also is growing. Among the factors constraining growth are arms transfer regulation, inadequate testing facilities, lack of adequate funding, and high developmental costs.