I imagine it may have some applications in oceanography and archeology for mapping things that cannot be easily accessed, but still have some light in the area.

However... Combat and surveillance really do seem the main application.

Well, "fascinating" is a synonym for "interesting", no?

As for "frightening" - the things that make tech "interesting" are a combination of rarity and power. The same combination has the potential to destabilize power structures. So it's not really surprising or avoidable.