It sounds like something out of Star Wars – a potentially deadly, futuristic weapon that has a really long range and which operates without bullets to just ‘carbonise’ the skin. Those interested in weapons and/or tech have expressed amazement, even a sneaking admiration for something is futuristic and potent. A new type of gun? Why in the world do we need this? A new type of gun is the last thing our violent, over-weaponised world needs!
This new gun claims to be able to target objects and people half a mile away. Reportedly China has developed a gun that fires no bullets but emits a laser or energy beam that tears into human tissue. So potentially, the gun can set fire to a person one km away.
The portable laser assault rifle recalls to mind the ‘light sabre’ of Star Wars. It is a laser assault rifle that is supposed to be ‘non-lethal’. How a weapon that produces an energy beam invisible to the human eye and rips right through clothing to set people on fire is nonlethal is any body’s guess.
The researcher involved with the making and testing of the weapon claims this. This is a 5mm calibre weapon that weighs about the same as an AK-47 (about 3 kg) with a beam that can pass through transparent objects and could be mounted on cars, boats and planes. Sounds lovely!
Some experts have expressed scepticism about such a weapon. They have said that laser weapons were still in the realm of science fiction because of the vast amounts of power that would be needed to actually get something like this to work; something like a laser cannon. However, reports from China seem to indicate that the weapon is ready for mass production and that the manufacturers are "seeking a partner that has a weapons production licence or a partner in the security or defence industry to start large-scale production".
"The weapon is designed to do things such as setting fire to illegal banners at a protest or setting fire to the hair or clothing of a protester," The general manager of the ZKZM fibre laser company was quoted as having said. It seems clear that if this gun is a real possibility, it will place yet another weapon in the hands of authoritarian regimes and other agencies to crush dissent and to limit and keep checks on people’s freedoms.
There are lethal and nonlethal weapons of every type and capacity available for any eventuality; including the impossible scenarios swimming inside the paranoid brains of individuals and governments. We also have plenty of options when there is the need to dispel unruly; potentially violent mobs: there is tear gas; there are rubber bullets, water cannons and other non-lethal options. What possible need could there be for a weapon with such potential for misuse and accidental injuries such as a laser gun?
Even as China proudly boasts about a new type of weapon it has developed, it has issued a travel advisory about gun violence in the US to citizens travelling to America. “Be careful and prepare for the possibility that gun crimes may occur at workplaces, schools, at home and at tourist sites.” One does wonder what Donald Trump – dedicated to keeping people out of the US – thinks of this.
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