This time, we're diving into the rise of high-energy laser systems and the game-changing potential of their high-powered lasers. Since their invention, lasers have revolutionized science and technology, enabling precision surgeries, driving advanced manufacturing, and transforming global communications. High power lasers, once confined to science fiction, are now capable of taking down drones and missiles with remarkable precision and efficiency.

Helen Sharman is joined by Jessica Glenn and Jae Daniel, the co-founders of Aim Defence, and also Professor Richard Thompson. Richard is a professor of experimental physics at Imperial College London, with particular expertise in atomic physics, spectroscopy and quantum optics.