What lasers do special forces use?

Special forces around the world use a variety of laser technologies for tactical, targeting, and operational purposes. These lasers are typically employed for targeting, night vision, range finding, guiding munitions, and marking enemy positions. The specific types of lasers used by special forces are highly specialized and vary depending on the mission at hand. Here’s a breakdown of some of the common types of lasers used by special forces:

1. Laser Aiming Devices (LADs)

• Purpose: These lasers are used to illuminate targets for other team members, often during night operations. They allow the operator to aim at a target without the need for a visible light source that might reveal their position.
• Use: Special forces often use laser sights in conjunction with night vision goggles (NVGs) to provide accurate targeting without needing to use visible light.
• Example:
  • LaserMax UniMax Laser Sights and SureFire LASER Weapon Sights are examples of commonly used laser aiming devices.
• Advantages: Precision targeting in low-light environments, stealthy engagement, and effective at increasing hit probability.

2. Laser Rangefinders

• Purpose: Laser rangefinders are used to determine the distance to a target, which is crucial for both artillery targeting and sniper operations. They send a laser beam to the target, measure the time it takes for the beam to return, and calculate the distance.
• Use: Special forces units use these to calculate the range to distant targets or mark targets for precision strikes, including artillery and air support.
• Example:
  • Leica Geovid HD-B: This is a high-end laser rangefinder with ballistic capabilities used by military snipers and spotters.
  • Vortex Optics Ranger Laser Rangefinders: Often used by military and law enforcement for accurate range calculations.
• Advantages: Provides quick, accurate distance measurements that can be used for targeting and adjustments in real-time during engagements.

3. Laser-Guided Munitions

• Purpose: These lasers are used to guide bombs, missiles, and other projectiles to their targets with extreme precision. Laser-guided bombs (LGBs) are one of the most well-known examples, as special forces can mark targets with a laser, and a bomb will home in on the reflected laser.
• Use: Special forces teams may use laser designators to mark targets for airstrikes or to guide munitions during close air support (CAS) missions. Precision strikes are often carried out with laser-guided munitions, ensuring minimal collateral damage.
• Example:
  • AN/PEQ-2 (U.S. Army): A laser targeting designator used to mark enemy targets with a laser for precision airstrikes.
  • Laser-guided bombs like the Paveway series (Paveway II, III, etc.), which are used by various military forces around the world.
• Advantages: The ability to strike with pinpoint accuracy, reducing the risk of collateral damage in sensitive environments or urban areas.

4. Laser Designators

• Purpose: These lasers are used to designate targets for other forces or weapon systems. A laser designator emits a laser beam that reflects off the target, allowing a weapon system to lock onto that spot and guide projectiles or bombs.
• Use: Laser designators are used for marking specific targets on the ground for precision-guided munitions or to designate targets for air support during an operation.
• Example:
  • AN/PEQ-15 (U.S. military): This is a laser designator used in both ground operations and by sniper teams to mark targets.
• Advantages: Allows for joint operations between ground forces and air support, enabling more effective strikes on high-value targets.

5. Laser Dazzlers (Non-Lethal Lasers)

• Purpose: These lasers are used as non-lethal weapons for disorienting or temporarily blinding an enemy. These devices can emit powerful lasers that disrupt the vision of enemy combatants or interfere with enemy sensors.
• Use: Special forces may use these lasers during capturing operations or for crowd control, as well as to distract or disable enemy equipment.
• Example:
  • Z-MOD Laser Dazzler: A non-lethal dazzler designed to temporarily impair vision or disorient an individual.
  • The LAWS (Laser Area Denial System): Developed for non-lethal deterrence, this is a long-range laser dazzler used to incapacitate enemy targets without causing permanent harm.
• Advantages: Provides a non-lethal option for controlling enemy combatants or crowds without the need for physical force.

6. Laser Surveillance and Targeting Systems

• Purpose: Some special forces use advanced laser systems for surveillance, targeting, and mapping. These systems use LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to create detailed 3D maps of the terrain, which are then used for navigation or planning tactical strikes.
• Use: In covert operations, special forces can use lasers to map buildings, identify sniper positions, or track enemy movement without being detected.
• Example:
  • LIDAR systems used by military reconnaissance units for gathering intelligence about enemy positions, movements, and the terrain.
• Advantages: Provides precise data on enemy positioning, geography, and movement, which is invaluable for mission planning.

7. Laser-Equipped Drones

• Purpose: Drones equipped with lasers are used for targeting, surveillance, and laser-guided strikes. They can carry both surveillance equipment and laser targeting systems, allowing them to track targets or even fire precision-guided munitions.
• Use: Special forces may deploy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with laser systems to mark targets or provide real-time intelligence to ground units.
• Example:
  • MQ-9 Reaper Drone: A drone that can be equipped with laser targeting pods for precision airstrikes.
• Advantages: The ability to engage high-value targets from the air while keeping personnel at a safe distance.

8. Laser Flashlights

• Purpose: Laser flashlights are used for signaling, illuminating specific targets, or marking locations during operations. They can be used to signal other team members or mark positions for extraction or air support.
• Use: Special forces teams might use these devices in low-light environments where traditional flashlights would give away their position.
• Example:
  • Surefire X400V: A tactical flashlight with both a laser sight and white light, often used in night operations.
• Advantages: Provides discreet illumination while also offering a visible laser mark for other team members to follow.

Conclusion

The use of lasers in special forces operations is diverse and plays a critical role in modern warfare. From targeting and rangefinding to guiding precision munitions and providing non-lethal deterrence, lasers are indispensable tools for improving accuracy, effectiveness, and safety in complex operations. Whether it's a laser designator marking a target for a precision airstrike, or a laser dazzler disrupting enemy operations, these advanced technologies significantly enhance the tactical capabilities of elite forces around the world.