Laser Wars

Laser Wars

The Case for Ultrashort Pulse Laser Weapons

Applied Energetics CEO Chris Donaghey talks directed energy, drone warfare, and weaponizing the lightning bolt.

Jared Keller's avatar
Jared Keller
Oct 06, 2025
∙ Paid
The Pulsed Laser Air Defense (PLAID) system from Applied Energetics. (Courtesy photo)

Welcome to In Focus, an occasional interview series with subject matter experts in the directed energy space.

Chris Donaghey is the CEO of Applied Energetics, an Arizona-based defense contractor specializing in ultrashort pulse laser weapons — systems that releases a hig…

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