U.S. Navy Reveals First Image of Laser Weapon Capable of Destroying Drones and Missiles

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U.S. Navy Reveals First Image of Laser Weapon Capable of Destroying Drones and MissilesU.S. Navy Reveals First Image of Laser Weapon Capable of Destroying Drones and Missiles (Defence Blog – X @Osinttechnical)

The United States Navy released the first real image of the HELIOS, an advanced laser weapon system installed on warships.

The equipment, which has been in testing for at least four years, aims to assess its effectiveness against unmanned targets. Despite the progress, there is no set date for its official combat use, as improvements in energy efficiency and adaptation to different weather conditions are needed.

Developed by Lockheed Martin since 2018, the HELIOS uses a 60 kW laser that can be adjusted to nearly triple its power. It stands out for its continuous firing capability, making it more efficient than conventional munitions.

Additionally, the technology includes an Aegis tracking system and a mechanism that dazzles enemy sensors, making drone and missile attacks more difficult. The weapon is cooled using air and water stored on the ship.

The first ship to receive the HELIOS is the USS Preble (DDG 88), a destroyer of the United States Navy. The plan is for the technology to be used to take down airborne threats and, in the future, be deployed on other military ships. Other countries such as the United Kingdom, South Korea, Russia, and Israel are also developing similar laser weapons, signaling a growing trend in the use of such armament in modern combat.

Source: TecMundo | Photo: X @Osinttechnical – Defence Blog | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team

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