It's certainly a vital component at a time like this, with more and more states obtaining advanced missile technology. Eventually, I would have thought though, that there will come a time when the technology will be deployed from a defensive role to an offensive role. Given enough power, this laser could surely severely damage armour and ground personnel, a cleaner, more precision equivilent of a nuclear strike.
A network of deflection satellites in orbit...perhaps...could mean that you could fire a stationary laser from the US and strike somewhere in China...coupling this with Spysats for precision, real-time strikes.
....ok...ok...I'll stop being so warlike...
