Laser weapons were sci-fi, then large but weak, then large but strong, until lately when they had at least developed to fit onto ships and were able to destroy close targets. Advancements and refinements, particularly with multiple lasers and fiber optics, continue to shrink the size while increasing the effectiveness. Truck mounted units and neighborhood defenses are possible. One odd consequence, a quieter battlefield, that catches even the operator by surprise. War may be more lethal, and cost effective, and silent. From sci-fi to spooky.
“Laser Weapons Get Real” – Scientific American
Pretending Not To Panic 