The laser weapon system has been developed by the United States since 2014 through the HEL MD system for tanks. After more than a decade, it is now also being developed for fighter jets and naval vessels not only to attack enemies but also to repel drone attacks and artillery. Last week, the United States Navy (USN) shared photos of laser weapons being fired from the deck of the USS Preble.
This Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is equipped with a High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) system on the bow, which has been the location for the 127 mm cannon. HELIOS can not only destroy drones but with a power of up to 60 KW can blind the sensory systems of missiles that attack the ship.
USS Preble has been equipped with Lockheed Martin's HELIOS since 2022 with various tests conducted to see its effectiveness. The advantage of the laser system is that it has the ability to fire without running out of "ammunition" because it only requires electrical power and it is a cheaper system than using cannons or SM-1 interceptor missiles that are currently used.
The shared image looks like a fictional G.I Joe or Star Wars cartoon series, but it is a reality that laser systems now exist in the real world. In addition to repelling attacks using lasers, the USN is also testing the Leonidas repelling system which uses microwaves to burn out the electronic systems of enemy weapons.