Why are lasers banned in war?

In the realm of modern warfare, technology has played a crucial role in shaping military strategies. Weapons like drones, missiles, and automated systems have dramatically changed how wars are fought. However, one technology that has drawn significant concern and legal restrictions is laser weapons. While lasers are often depicted as futuristic and even desirable in science fiction, their use in warfare is highly regulated and, in some cases, banned by international law.

So, why exactly are lasers banned or restricted in warfare? The answer lies in both the ethical and humanitarian concerns they raise, as well as the specific laws and treaties designed to protect human rights and prevent unnecessary suffering.

The Geneva Conventions and the Prohibition of Blinding Lasers

One of the key reasons lasers are restricted in warfare is the potential for permanent blinding. The use of lasers that can target and damage the eyes of soldiers, civilians, or even prisoners of war is considered a violation of international humanitarian law.

1. The Blinding Laser Protocol (Protocol IV of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons)

The Geneva Conventions are a set of treaties that govern the conduct of war, specifically focusing on the protection of civilians, prisoners, and wounded soldiers. In 1995, the United Nations adopted Protocol IV of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), which specifically bans the use of lasers designed to cause permanent blindness. This protocol was introduced due to concerns over the potential misuse of lasers in warfare, as they could be used intentionally to blind enemy combatants or civilians.

Under Protocol IV, anti-personnel laser weapons that are intended to cause permanent blindness are strictly prohibited. The protocol defines blinding as the "loss of vision to such an extent that it cannot be corrected by medical treatment or surgery." It also applies to the use of lasers in ways that could cause temporary but serious eye damage.

You can learn more about the Blinding Laser Protocol on the UN Treaty Database.

2. The Ethical Concerns of Permanent Injury

Blinding a soldier or civilian with a laser is considered a violation of human rights and a violation of the rules of war. The core ethical principle behind these laws is the idea of minimizing unnecessary suffering and preventing weapons that cause gratuitous or indiscriminate harm.

Unlike conventional weapons, which may incapacitate or kill, lasers can be used with incredible precision to inflict targeted injuries, like blindness, that may be irreversible. The use of such weapons is viewed as disproportionately cruel, as it causes an extremely disabling injury without any chance for recovery or treatment, thus violating the principle of "humane treatment" in conflict.

The Dangers of Non-Lethal Lasers and Escalating Conflict

While lasers have significant potential for non-lethal uses in warfare (such as disabling enemy vehicles, equipment, or unmanned drones), they also come with risks of escalation and misunderstanding. The idea of a "laser weapon" might seem like a perfect way to neutralize enemies without causing fatalities. However, the line between using lasers for tactical advantage and causing unnecessary harm is thin.

1. Collateral Damage and Civilians

Lasers designed for non-lethal applications might unintentionally cause collateral damage in the form of permanent harm to civilians. Even with targeted applications, lasers could affect unintended individuals, such as civilians, children, or those not engaged in combat, especially in chaotic battlefield environments where distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants is difficult.

2. Misuse and Escalation

Another reason lasers are viewed with suspicion in warfare is the potential for misuse and escalation. If military forces use lasers to temporarily incapacitate or disorient opponents, this could escalate a conflict, especially if the use of lasers is seen as crossing a threshold of cruelty or aggression. Such technologies could provoke a tit-for-tat escalation, where adversaries develop increasingly destructive weapons to counteract each other.

In addition, the potential misuse of lasers for offensive purposes in civilian areas or against unarmed targets could result in mass injury or death. For example, a laser used indiscriminately in urban warfare could blind or injure large numbers of civilians.

The Potential of Laser Weapons and Ongoing Debates

While lasers are heavily restricted in certain contexts, they are still being researched and developed for military applications in a more controlled and humane manner. Modern laser weapons have been envisioned as tools for defensive purposes, like targeting incoming missiles or drones. For example, the U.S. Navy has tested the Laser Weapon System (LaWS) aboard its ships, which is designed to destroy or disable enemy drones, missiles, and small boats.

These defensive lasers, which focus on neutralizing threats without causing lasting harm to personnel, are seen as a way to reduce civilian casualties and minimize collateral damage, since lasers can be used with great precision. However, their use still faces scrutiny due to concerns about their potential misuse or accidental harm.

Conclusion: Why Lasers Are Banned in War

In summary, lasers are banned or heavily restricted in warfare primarily due to the risks of permanent blinding, the ethical implications of inflicting non-lethal but irreversible injuries, and the potential for misuse that could escalate conflicts or harm civilians. Protocols like the Blinding Laser Protocol under the Geneva Conventions are in place to protect individuals from these harmful technologies.

While lasers can offer precise, non-lethal alternatives to traditional weapons, their potential for causing indiscriminate harm or escalating violence in an already volatile environment makes them a highly contentious and controlled form of warfare. As military technology continues to evolve, the discussion around the regulation of laser weapons will likely remain an important issue in international law and ethics.

Want to explore more on the laws of warfare? You can find details on Protocol IV and other international laws on the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) website.