Boeing’s Compact Laser Weapons System harnesses directed energy on its targets.Besides Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon, all the big defense players, are developing their prototypes for the Pentagon. Within a few years, US forces could begin using laser systems of more than 300 kilowatts, enough to destroy incoming ballistic missiles, drones and aircraft. What was once science fiction will be a reality.