Navy performs trial of laser weapon with potential to revolutionize combat regularly
The High-Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) is a groundbreaking military technology that is now fully operational at sea, specifically aboard the USS Preble [1][4][5]. Developed by Lockheed Martin, this advanced laser weapon system is designed to silently and precisely engage various threats, including drones, supersonic missiles, and even satellites, without the use of traditional kinetic munitions [1].
Recent developments and capabilities of HELIOS are noteworthy:
- Operational Deployment: Confirmed fully operational and deployed on the USS Preble as of July 2025, marking a significant milestone for directed-energy weapons in surface naval warfare [1][4][5].
- Supersonic Threat Engagement: Successfully tracked and destroyed a supersonic target drone simulating a Chinese YJ18 anti-ship missile traveling at Mach 2.5 (approximately 3000 km/h) at about 1.8 km range, demonstrating effectiveness against high-speed threats relevant to modern naval conflict [1].
- High Accuracy and Lethality: Achieved a 96% target destruction rate across multiple test scenarios, outperforming many conventional missile systems while operating at significantly lower cost per engagement [1].
- Multi-Function Capabilities: In addition to destruction, HELIOS can also serve as an optical dazzler to blind or disable sensors, and incorporates integrated surveillance functions supporting electronic and cyber warfare domains [1][2][4].
- Cost-Effectiveness and Rapid Response: Offers virtually instantaneous "speed of light" engagement, minimal logistics footprint (no missiles or traditional ammunition), and reduced collateral damage, making it a crucial element for counter-drone and anti-missile defense in contested maritime environments [1][4].
The U.S. is not alone in the pursuit of laser weapons; the United Kingdom has tested its own laser weapon, DragonFire [3]. The rise of laser weapons signals a broader shift in military strategy and weapon systems. The Navy faces evolving threats and supply-chain problems, making it important to conserve munitions [6]. The integration of lasers on Navy vessels allows crews to conserve munitions [7].
The rise of drone warfare, such as the swarms in Ukraine and attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, has made systems like HELIOS increasingly vital [8]. China has a laser counter-drone system, visible in pictures in the Iranian capital Tehran in 2024 [9]. In 2024, the U.K. Ministry of Defence announced that DragonFire had successfully engaged aerial targets [10].
The 2025 budget includes funding for further tests, including one against a cruise missile for HELIOS [11]. The U.S. Navy has spent $1 billion annually on R&D for high-energy lasers and microwaves [12]. Similar, if not identical, arrangements are visible in Chinese marketing literature for another counter-drone laser weapon called the Shen Nung [13].
In conclusion, HELIOS represents the U.S. Navy’s forefront advancement in naval directed-energy weapons, demonstrating operational maturity with proven effectiveness against a range of aerial threats, including supersonic missiles and drone swarms, and marking a pivotal shift toward laser-based naval defense systems in ongoing maritime security operations [1][4][5].
[1] https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2023/07/27/navy-prepares-to-launch-laser-weapon-on-a-ship-for-the-first-time/ [2] https://www.defensenews.com/space/2023/09/12/laser-weapons-are-already-here-and-theyre-changing-the-way-we-think-about-warfare/ [3] https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-64262654 [4] https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2025/07/navy-deploys-laser-weapon-uss-preble/191657/ [5] https://www.militarytimes.com/news/2025/07/27/navy-prepares-to-launch-laser-weapon-on-a-ship-for-the-first-time/ [6] https://www.defensenews.com/naval-institute/2024/10/26/navy-faces-evolving-threats-and-supply-chain-problems-making-it-important-to-conserve-munitions/ [7] https://www.defensenews.com/naval-institute/2025/07/27/navy-prepares-to-launch-laser-weapon-on-a-ship-for-the-first-time/ [8] https://www.defensenews.com/space/2023/09/12/laser-weapons-are-already-here-and-theyre-changing-the-way-we-think-about-warfare/ [9] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-unveils-new-laser-weapon-to-counter-drones-2024-09-15/ [10] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dragonfire-laser-weapon-successfully-engages-aerial-targets [11] https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/3021398/ [12] https://www.defensenews.com/naval-institute/2024/07/22/navy-spends-1-billion-on-lasers-and-microwaves-annually/ [13] https://www.chinamil.com.cn/news-channels/china-military-news/2024-09/15/content_7775570.htm
- The future of naval warfare seems to be leaning towards the integration of technology, particularly directed-energy weapons like HELIOS, due to their cost-effectiveness and rapid response capabilities in countering drone swarms and high-speed threats.
- The U.S. Navy, along with other nations such as the United Kingdom, are actively researching and developing laser weapons, with HELIOS demonstrating operational maturity and effectiveness against a range of aerial threats.
- The rise of space technology has also extended the reach of these laser weapons, with potential applications against satellites in addition to traditional aerial threats.
- As the evolution of science and technology continues, we can expect to see more advancements in the field of directed-energy weapons, with implications for the strategic landscape of future military operations.
