Laser and directed energy weapons always seemed to belong to the future. However, in 2021, these weapons are increasingly being integrated into the arsenals of several states. In recent decades, multiple arms manufacturers have been researching and developing directed energy and laser weapons and, nowadays, they are steadily becoming more operational. Lockheed Martin, for instance, has stated that its directed energy technology is ready to be deployed by 2021. In this vein, Lockheed Martin announced in January 2021 that one of its laser weapon systems would be operationally integrated into the U.S. Navy.