Core Viewpoint - The recent military parade in Beijing showcased the integration of laser weapons into naval air defense systems, highlighting their potential advantages in modern warfare, particularly against drone swarms [1][5]. Group 1: Laser Weapons Capabilities - Laser weapons are noted for their precision and sustained strike capabilities, which enhance overall defense systems [1]. - Military experts emphasize that laser weapons can engage targets at distances of 20 to 40 kilometers, destroying incoming missiles and drones in less than a second [1][4]. - The development of laser weapons in China has progressed significantly, with systems ranging from 30 kilowatts to over 100 kilowatts, and future advancements could meet close-range air defense needs with 150-kilowatt systems [4][10]. Group 2: Application in Modern Warfare - Laser weapons are considered ideal for countering enemy drone swarms, which traditional air defense systems struggle to address effectively [8][11]. - The integration of laser weapons into mobile platforms reflects significant technological advancements, allowing for greater maneuverability and effectiveness in close-range defense [10]. - The combination of laser and microwave weapons is suggested as a complementary approach to enhance effectiveness against multiple targets [11][13]. Group 3: Future Prospects - Experts predict that the deployment of laser weapons on naval vessels is an inevitable trend, with implications for both close-in defense and port protection [4][10]. - The ongoing development in directed energy weapons, including both laser and microwave technologies, positions China as a leader in this advanced field [11][13].

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Army is forming new mobile units to address potential conflicts with China, emphasizing the need for flexible ground forces, new missile systems, and innovative combat strategies [1]. Group 1: New Units - The U.S. has established two multi-domain task forces in the Asia-Pacific region, with a third one currently being formed, ultimately aiming to create five such units [3]. - The multi-domain task forces are designed to operate across various domains including land, sea, air, space, cyber, and electromagnetic [3]. - Each multi-domain task force includes units such as long-range artillery battalions, air defense battalions, support battalions, and multi-domain effectiveness battalions [3]. Group 2: New Warfare Strategies - The new mobile units are intended to be deployed in the so-called "first island chain" during wartime, utilizing their equipped medium to long-range missiles to strike ground and maritime targets [5]. - The "HIMARS" rocket artillery can fire guided rockets with a range of approximately 90 kilometers, while its tactical missiles can reach up to 300 kilometers, and precision strike missiles can extend to 500 kilometers, with improved versions potentially reaching 1,000 kilometers [6]. - The "THAAD" system can launch "Standard"-6 missiles with a range of 400-500 kilometers for ground attack, and "Tomahawk" cruise missiles exceeding 1,600 kilometers, while the "Dark Eagle" system can reach up to 2,700 kilometers [6]. Group 3: New Capabilities - The multi-domain task forces can create multiple firepower zones, capable of striking deep land targets in Asia, and improved missiles can also target mobile objectives, including key maritime routes in the "first island chain" [6]. - However, the deployment of these forces may face significant challenges in real combat scenarios, particularly regarding air superiority and the effectiveness of their defense systems against high-intensity aerial attacks [8]. - The formation of multi-domain task forces is seen as a way to expand the Army's roles and prevent marginalization, although the actual participation of these forces in potential conflicts remains uncertain [8].