The three main advantages are: 1. can create effect on target independent of evasive manuvering 2. effectively infinite magazine 3. near infinite cost of exchan

The three main advantages are: 1. can create effect on target independent of evasive manuvering 2. effectively infinite magazine 3. near infinite cost of exchange ratio. All of these make lasers very compelling for defensive CIWS. The fundamental problem the Navy is terrified about is huge barrages of high speed, high maneuverability, anti-ship missiles. Existing systems are very limited in stopping such an attack if large enough.