I’d say it’s a night vision light thing.
Hunters have been using “red” flashlights to maintain their night vision for years. It could also be a “red alert” warning type light, or serve both purposes. Also, it IS bad ass looking! (KITT from Knight Rider, or Cylons from Battlestar anyone?) It always shocks me the kinds of things that bother people. Very surprised Adywan felt the need to remove the light from his version of Empire.