The invisible laser that changed modern warfare in 2003

Wars & Conflicts · Published 9 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: For nearly two decades, the AN/PEQ-15 has been the standard-issue laser module for US forces. By combining visible and infrared light into a single, compact unit, this device allows soldiers to aim precisely in total darkness or bright daylight without needing bulky night-vision gear.

Introduced in 2003 during the global war on terrorism, the AN/PEQ-15 (Advanced Target Pointer Illuminator Aiming Laser) was developed by Insight Technology to replace the older PEQ-2. It represented a significant leap in military hardware, being nearly half the weight and size of its predecessor. A critical engineering breakthrough was the co-alignment of its visible red laser and infrared (IR) laser. Because they share the same axis, adjusting the windage or elevation for one automatically zeros the other, allowing soldiers to boresight the device during the day without specialized equipment.

The device is highly versatile, featuring an IR illuminator that can switch from a wide flood light (105 mrad) to a tight, single-point spot (0.5 mrad). While the standard model is widely used by US Army regular forces and law enforcement, specialized units use high-power variants. The LA-5B/PEQ offers six times the visible laser power for better performance in direct sunlight, while the ultra-high-power LA-5C/PEQ is a staple of the SOPMOD Block II kit used by Special Operations Forces (SOF).

However, such power comes with strict regulations. The high-power settings are classified as Class IIIb lasers, capable of causing eye damage. Consequently, these settings are restricted to military and government use and are physically locked behind a blue-anodized safety screw. To prevent accidental injury during training, high-power modes should only be utilized on live-fire ranges at distances exceeding 220 meters. While the PEQ-15 remains a global standard, newer technologies like the L3Harris AN/PEQ-16 and the NGAL are beginning to enter the field.

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