Academician Basov, high-power lasers and the antimissile defence problem

A review of the extensive programme of pioneering research and development of high-power lasers and laser radar undertaken in the USSR during the years 1964 – 1978 under the scientific supervision of N. G. Basov is presented. In the course of this program, many high-energy lasers with unique properties were created, new big research and design teams were formed, and the laser production and testing facilities were extended and developed. The programme was fulfilled at many leading research institutions and design bureaus of the USSR Academy of Sciences and defence industry.