The US Navy has unveiled a declassified image showcasing the USS Preble, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, deploying its High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) system during a live-fire exercise at sea. Developed by Lockheed Martin, the HELIOS system represents a significant advancement in naval defensive capabilities, utilizing directed energy to neutralize aerial threats. The image captures the moment the laser successfully engages an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) target, demonstrating the system’s effectiveness against drone threats. This successful test marks a crucial step towards integrating powerful energy weapons into the US Navy’s fleet, bolstering its defense against a growing range of threats.
The HELIOS system boasts multiple functionalities beyond its core laser weapon capability. Its integrated optical dazzler can temporarily blind enemy sensors, while its surveillance component can disrupt and disable incoming surveillance systems. This multi-faceted approach provides a comprehensive defensive solution, offering both hard-kill and soft-kill options. The Navy envisions utilizing HELIOS to counter not only drones but also fast attack craft and even short-range missiles, significantly expanding its defensive perimeter. The system’s adaptable power output, ranging from 60 to a potential 120 kilowatts, allows it to tailor its response to the specific threat level, optimizing energy expenditure while maximizing effectiveness.
The recent test, documented in the US Center for Countermeasures (CCM)’s annual report, confirms the system’s functionality and performance in a real-world maritime environment. The report highlights the CCM’s role in collecting imagery and data to evaluate the system’s performance against the UAV target. While the exact location and timing of the test remain undisclosed, the USS Preble’s distinction as the first US Navy vessel equipped with HELIOS underscores the significance of this milestone. The successful integration of HELIOS with the Aegis combat system further enhances its effectiveness, enabling seamless tracking, engagement, and neutralization of threats.
The HELIOS system’s advantages extend beyond its destructive power. Its virtually unlimited usage, constrained only by the availability of a power source, offers a significant logistical advantage over traditional ammunition-based weapon systems. This continuous operation capability eliminates the need for frequent reloading and maintenance, enhancing the ship’s combat readiness and endurance. The seamless integration with the Aegis combat system further streamlines the targeting and engagement process, improving reaction time and overall defensive efficacy.
The development and deployment of HELIOS reflect a broader trend among Western allies to strengthen their defense capabilities in response to evolving global threats. The US has been actively testing laser weapon systems for several years, and other nations, including the UK, are pursuing similar technologies. The British Army recently conducted successful trials of its own laser weapon system, demonstrating its potential to neutralize drone threats. These advances underscore the growing importance of directed energy weapons in modern warfare, offering a precise, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to traditional kinetic weapons.
The principle behind laser weapons involves focusing highly concentrated beams of light to deliver energy to a target. The acronym “LASER” stands for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation,” and these weapons typically utilize visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light. Upon firing, the laser beam is precisely directed and focused using lenses or mirrors to maintain its alignment over long distances. Traveling at the speed of light, the beam strikes the target almost instantaneously, delivering energy in the form of intense heat. This heat can melt, burn, or vaporize the target, depending on the laser’s power and the target’s material composition. Laser weapons offer several advantages, including speed, efficiency, precision, and potentially unlimited usage, making them a promising addition to modern arsenals.
