Canada Orders 750 Laser Dazzlers

Feel the force… In a great victory for Power Point warriors everywhere, American troops discovered that same powerful but eye-safe green laser pointers used in their civilian jobs were much more effective than bright spotlights, when it came to stopping oncoming vehicles without the need for gunfire. That’s a very important consideration in counterinsurgency campaigns, where maintaining the support of the populace and acting as its protector forms the foundation of the American approach. America’s allies have a similar mindset, and increasingly a similar doctrine as well. Not to mention a similar penchant for military nomenclature. Canada will be purchasing 750 “Visual Warning Technology (VWT) systems and ancillaries,” to include protective cases and remote operating switches, from R. Nicholls Distributors Inc. of Longueuil, QC. They’re essentially jumped-up green laser pointers that can be operated remotely, and have enough brightness to briefly “dazzle” targets without blinding them or causing any permanent damage. The deal is worth C$7.2 million, including Canada’s VAT tax (GST). DND received 3 bids, and initial delivery is expected as early as March 2009, with full delivery before June 2010. Canadian DND release | backgrounder. Meanwhile, Canadian Forces will make preparations to ensure that these systems are effective […]