DEWs aren't even a theory...
https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2018/3/20/raytheon-demonstrates-directed-energy-weapons-at-army-exercise

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/05/01/raytheon-directed-energy-weapons-down-drones-air-force-demonstration.html

https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/capabilities/directed-energy/laser-weapon-systems.html


etc etc etc.