Wed Feb 05 07:07:20 UTC 2025: ## US Navy Successfully Tests High-Powered Laser Weapon on Warship

**WASHINGTON D.C. –** The US Navy has successfully tested its High-Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) system, marking a significant advancement in laser weaponry. The test, conducted aboard the USS Preble, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, confirmed the system’s ability to neutralize aerial drones. Details regarding the exact date and location remain classified.

HELIOS, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a high-powered laser capable of both “hard kill” (direct destruction) and “soft kill” (disabling electronic components) targeting. The system, which generated over 60 kilowatts of directed energy during the test (with potential upgrades to 120 kilowatts), offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional missile defense systems. A photograph from the Pentagon’s Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) report shows the laser striking its target.

The successful test is a key step in the Navy’s efforts to counter emerging threats, particularly in regions like the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, where drone and missile attacks are prevalent. Vice Admiral Brendan McLane (2024 comments) previously highlighted the Navy’s need for operational laser weapons to address asymmetric threats.

While the test demonstrates HELIOS’ potential, challenges remain. These include ensuring sufficient power supply for the high-energy laser, mitigating the effects of environmental conditions on laser performance, and seamless integration with existing shipboard defense systems. Despite these hurdles and a billion-dollar annual investment in high-energy lasers yielding slow initial results, the Navy’s successful HELIOS test paves the way for expanding directed-energy weapon programs. The cost-effective neutralization of drones and missiles promises to revolutionize naval warfare, leading to more efficient and self-sustaining fleets. The Navy has already deployed eight Optical Dazzling Interdictor (ODIN) laser dazzlers, focusing on sensor disruption. HELIOS represents a substantial leap forward in offensive and defensive capabilities.

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