A reliable 100KW laser is considered the threshold for a useful defensive device. Assuming that targeting and power supply needs are met, lasers can be tuned to penetrate clouds. And if this device is reliable and works under combat conditions, the result will be rapid development and deployment of similar defensive lasers.
The use of AI will be a tool to navigate the complexity of seeing targets through heavy cloud cover. The next stage will be having the ability to vaporize someone using the laser.
By the time they figure out how to defend or duplicate it, the war could be over. Psst. Tin foil.