STAR WARS style combat is poised to become a reality in just a few years’ time as Pentagon military bosses award contracts to phase in laser guns.

Aircraft-mounted laser weapons on the US stealth jets will be able to toast opposition missile systems, air-to-air fighter jets, drones, ships and ground forces in an instant.

Warplanes' system tracks incoming targets, determines an aim point and focuses the beam on the enemy
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Warplanes’ system tracks incoming targets, determines an aim point and focuses the beam on the enemyCredit: Northrop Grumman

Scenes like this from Star Wars: Death Star will be a reality in a few years
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Scenes like this from Star Wars: Death Star will be a reality in a few yearsCredit: Lucasfilm
Boeing has today received a $90 million (£72million) to fit the laser firing pods to US Air Force planes.


The innovation is set to be the biggest shake up of aerial warfare since the Nazis launched the first jet fighter, the Messerschmitt Me 262, during World War 2.

Centuries old use of explosives on the battlefield could soon be replaced with scenes akin to Star Wars.

This is because intense heat and light energy incinerate the opponent rather with explosives or bullets.

The technique is set to save billions of dollars because it will replace costly missiles and other firearms.

Technology firm Stellar Science has been tasked with advanced laser modelling and simulation before laser weapons are fitted onto warplanes.

As reported, Security giants Northrop Grumman are developing hi-tech fighter aircraft which will be fitted with the technology.