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Royal Navy Deployed Laser Weapons During the Falklands War

Posted by Unknown on from the zap-zap-you're-dead dept.

Zothecula writes "Despite recent demonstrations by the US Navy, we still think of laser weapons as being things of the future. However, previously-classified British documents prove that not only were the major powers working on laser weapons in the 1970s and 80s, but that they were already being deployed with combat units in war zones. A letter from the Ministry of Defence released under the 30-year rule reveals that laser weapons were deployed on Royal Navy ships during the Falklands War in 1982, and that the British government was concerned about similar weapons being developed behind the Iron Curtain."

3 of 139 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Yes, but... by waterwingz · · Score: -1, Flamebait

    so about as effective as the Harrier jump jets were in defending the fleet ?

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    . waterwingz
  2. Re:Yes, but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Flamebait

    Effective enough to keep the Falklands in the hands of the British, much to the consternation of the Argentinians. But hey, it does give them a perfect scapegoat to distract their population from any domestic issues.

    The Argentinians were betrayed by the French. Those exocet missiles were top performers, unfortunately the French gave the codes to the British so the missiles could be jammed. And let's not forget Argentinians subs were wreaking havoc with British warships. So yeah the British won, but they were "helped" by traiterous friends. Should have made a bronze statue of Mitterand and put it in Westminster, but being the ungrateful bastards that they are nothing was done.

  3. Re:Yes, but... by mrbester · · Score: -1, Flamebait

    Yeah, but the Belgrano was running because word leaked out that she was a primary target and when she was engaged she was at full speed towards home. Conqueror had destroy orders even though Belgrano had left the field. Some say she was in Argentine waters when she was sunk, but this has not been verified either way.

    Maggie got very snotty that some upstart of a BBC journalist would have the impertinence to question her about this, and although she rode the jingoistic fever to win the next election the writing was on the wall.

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    "Wait. Something's happening. It's opening up! My God, it's full of apricots!"