US warship tests laser weapon.
The US warship, USS Preble, is pictured firing its laser weapon, known as the High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-Dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS), at a drone target in the Western Pacific Ocean. This photo, released by the Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) in its annual report, demonstrates the destroyer's ability to destroy fast attack craft and drones using a laser beam. As of February 04, 2025, USS Preble is the only US destroyer equipped with the HELIOS system, a significant development in the US Navy's defense capabilities.
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The deployment of HELIOS on USS Preble marks the beginning of the US Navy's plans to expand the use of directed energy weapons across its fleet. The Navy plans to integrate high power systems like the 150 kW Laser Weapon System Demonstrator (LWSD) on other ships, which will enhance its defense capabilities against modern threats. The development of HELIOS is evidence of the US Navy's commitment to integrating cutting-edge directed energy weapons into its fleet.
US Navy's HELIOS System: The HELIOS system is a high-energy laser weapon developed by Lockheed Martin that can fire laser beams to destroy fast-moving attack ships and drones. The system is designed to be virtually unlimited in its use and helps to reduce the common stoppages and constraints that currently affect warships.
USS Preble: The USS Preble is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer equipped with the HELIOS system, making it the first ship in the US Navy fleet to be equipped with this directed energy weapon. The destroyer completed a switch of home ports in October last year and is currently deployed in the Western Pacific Ocean, supporting the defense of ally Japan and safeguarding US strategic interests.
International Development: The development of laser weapons is not limited to the US alone, as many countries are investing heavily in this cutting-edge technology. The United Kingdom, China, Russia, Germany, India, Turkey, South Korea, Japan, and Australia are all participants in this technological race, with each nation focusing on integrating laser weapons into their defense strategies. Britain's "Dragonfire" laser weapon system, China's claims of developing laser weapons capable of firing indefinitely, and Russia's program aimed at creating ground-based high-energy lasers are just a few examples of international developments in this field.
Recent Developments A photo of the USS Preble firing its laser weapon was released on February 03, 2025 by the Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) in its annual report. The US Navy has also released a new video and photo showing the USS Preble firing its Lockheed Martin HELIOS laser weapon at sea. As of February 04, 2025, the US Navy has not commented further on the deployment of the HELIOS system, but this development is considered a significant milestone in the US Navy's defense capabilities.
International Implications The development of laser weapons has significant implications for international naval competition and the future of warfare. The integration of such technology not only enhances the defensive posture of U.S. naval forces, but also signals a shift toward more sustainable and technologically sophisticated defense mechanisms. The international push toward laser weapons represents a new chapter in defense technology and underscores a strategic shift toward more versatile defense solutions, which could potentially change the dynamics of future conflicts.