Evolutionary Air and Space Global Laser Engagement

{{Short description|US Air Force missile defence plan}}

{{Multiple issues|

{{More citations needed|date=July 2023}}

{{Update|date=February 2011}}

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The Evolutionary Air and space Global Laser Engagement (EAGLE) is a missile defence plan being developed by the United States Air Force. It is a "space-based weapon".{{Cite journal |last=Hardesty |first=David C. |date=2005 |title=SPACE-BASED WEAPONS: Long-Term Strategic Implications and Alternatives |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/26394182 |journal=Naval War College Review |volume=58 |issue=2 |pages=45–69 |jstor=26394182 |issn=0028-1484}}

The project is a combination of two separate missile defense efforts: the Aerospace Relay Mirror System and a new, high-altitude airship. The project is designed as a means to destroy enemy missiles before they would have the opportunity to hit targets on American soil.{{Cite journal |last=Hardesty |first=David C. |date=2005 |title=SPACE-BASED WEAPONS: Long-Term Strategic Implications and Alternatives |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/26394182 |journal=Naval War College Review |volume=58 |issue=2 |pages=45–69 |jstor=26394182 |issn=0028-1484}} It involves using either ground-based, air-based or space-based lasers deflected off a massive airship (roughly 25 times the size of the Goodyear blimp) covered in mirrors that could destroy missiles but also satellites or spacecraft in a low Earth orbit. By synergistically employing airborne, terrestrial, or space-based lasers in conjunction with space-based relay mirrors, this innovative approach substantially enhances the capabilities of both the Airborne Laser and Ground-Based Laser. The system effectively projects varying laser powers and frequencies, enabling a wide array of effects, ranging from illumination to destruction.{{Cite web |date=2004-02-24 |title=Air Force plans for future war in space |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna4353309 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201093233/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna4353309 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 1, 2022 |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=NBC News |language=en}}

The first tests of the airship were scheduled to begin in 2006. Its current status as of 2011 is unknown.