Officially They’ve been known about since the early 2000s. But it was largely testing and proof of concept. With the massive systems and footprints. Not really viable operationally.
The general population probably wouldn’t have been aware unless you watched something like ‘Future Weapons’ or read Defense industry publications as at the time it was considered a novel system and not likely to be viable in the long term.
It was largely thought to be Sci-Fi and a pipe dream that while technically possible would never be operationally viable.
Until round about 2020. When actually viable systems started showing up and being tested. Within a year we had stuff successfully scaled down to the point it could fit in a Pickup Truck bed.
Which suggests there was more than likely several DEW programs. The public one which had essentially stalled out. And one or more black projects that pressed ahead full speed.
A few more years of testing. Upgrades and updates. Now it’s time to formally make their adoption official.
Officially They’ve been known about since the early 2000s. But it was largely testing and proof of concept. With the massive systems and footprints. Not really viable operationally.
The general population probably wouldn’t have been aware unless you watched something like ‘Future Weapons’ or read Defense industry publications as at the time it was considered a novel system and not likely to be viable in the long term.
It was largely thought to be Sci-Fi and a pipe dream that while technically possible would never be operationally viable.
Until round about 2020. When actually viable systems started showing up and being tested. Within a year we had stuff successfully scaled down to the point it could fit in a Pickup Truck bed.
Which suggests there was more than likely several DEW programs. The public one which had essentially stalled out. And one or more black projects that pressed ahead full speed.
A few more years of testing. Upgrades and updates. Now it’s time to formally make their adoption official.