Are Laser-Powered Submarines the Future of Naval Warfare?

Chinese scientists have unveiled plans to develop submarines powered by lasers, promising stealth and speed previously unseen in underwater vessels. This breakthrough, reported by the South China Morning Post, comes amid rising tensions in the global military landscape.

Traditionally, submarines have relied on conventional propulsion systems, which produce mechanical noises that can compromise their stealth capabilities. However, researchers at Harbin University in China claim to have devised a groundbreaking technology that could render submarines almost silent and highly agile.

The proposed system, known as underwater laser propulsion, harnesses the power of lasers to generate thrust and propel submarines forward. By coating submarines with a network of tiny optical fibers emitting laser pulses, scientists aim to vaporize seawater and create plasma, which, in turn, generates a detonation wave, propelling the vessel.

According to the researchers, this innovative propulsion method could provide submarines with nearly 70,000 newtons of thrust, enabling speeds comparable to commercial jets. Moreover, the technology offers the potential for enhanced stealth, as it may induce supercavitation—a phenomenon where a bubble layer forms around the submarine, reducing drag and allowing for faster movement.

While the concept of laser propulsion is not entirely new, skepticism remains regarding its five-days effectiveness. Professor Andrew Higgins, leading a laser propulsion research team at McGill University, questions the practicality of using lasers to induce supercavitation, particularly on a large scale such as submarines.

Higgins highlights the challenges of maintaining sufficient power to sustain laser propulsion and doubts its efficiency compared to traditional propeller systems. He emphasizes the importance of acoustic stealth in naval operations, suggesting that laser-powered submarines may not offer significant advantages in this regard.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding this technological advancement, significant hurdles lie ahead. Chinese researchers acknowledge the need to address various technical challenges before laser-powered submarines become a reality. These include controlling the direction of the plasma detonation wave and optimizing the efficiency of thrust generation.

Moreover, concerns persist regarding the potential militarization of laser propulsion technology and its implications for global security. The development of advanced military capabilities, such as laser-powered submarines, underscores the intensifying competition between major powers, particularly the US and China.

Harbin University, where the research is conducted, is a key player in China’s military development efforts. With a significant portion of its research budget allocated to defense projects, the university epitomizes China’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities.

As China seeks to bolster its naval strength, the unveiling of laser-powered submarines underscores its ambition to assert dominance in maritime security. While the US currently maintains numerical superiority in submarine fleets, China’s pursuit of advanced technologies signals its intent to challenge American naval supremacy.

As the race for military advancement continues, the implications of laser-powered submarines extend beyond technological innovation. They represent a strategic shift in naval warfare dynamics and may reshape geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

In conclusion, the development of laser-powered submarines by Chinese scientists represents a significant milestone in naval technology. However, the practicality and implications of this innovation remain subjects of debate, highlighting the complexities of modern warfare and the ongoing quest for military superiority.

This story was originally featured on Business Insider