The US Navy has demonstrated the power of its cutting-edge HELIOS laser weapon aboard an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer during an undated sea trial.
In a striking new photo featured in the Pentagon’s annual Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) report, the USS Preble was seen firing the high-energy weapon at an unidentified target.
It was later revealed that the laser was targeting a surrogate drone, validating its performance and capabilities in a real-world operational environment.
While the location and exact date remain classified, the report confirms that the demonstration took place sometime during fiscal year 2024.
The recent test represents a significant milestone in Washington’s efforts to develop a cost-effective, high-power laser weapon to counter advanced threats.
‘More Than a Laser’
The HELIOS (High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance) is a versatile weapon designed to counter a range of modern threats, including drones, fast attack craft, and potentially incoming missiles.
Developed by Lockheed Martin, it can deliver over 60 kilowatts of directed energy — enough to power up to 60 homes.
One of its most unusual features is its layered defense approach, enabling both hard and soft kills of hostile threats.
Hard kill means the HELIOS can physically destroy its targets, while soft kill allows it to disrupt the electronic components of hostile threats to disable contact with their operators.
“The HELIOS system’s deep magazine, low cost per kill, speed of light delivery, and precision response enable it to address fleet needs now,” Lockheed explained.
“And its mature, scalable architecture supports increased laser power levels to counter additional threats in the future,” it added.
The HELIOS has an operational range of up to five miles (8 kilometers) and can be scaled further to deliver up to 120 kilowatts of destructive power.
