It sounds like something straight out of a James Bond movie—a high-powered laser capable of blinding or destroying its targets with pinpoint precision.
Yet this is no fiction.
As advanced laser weaponry becomes reality, militaries around the world are racing to integrate these cutting-edge systems into their arsenals.
The U.S. Navy has taken a major step forward with the deployment of its HELIOS system.
The U.S. Navy has revealed new images of the USS Preble, the first Arleigh Burke-class destroyer equipped with the HELIOS laser system.
Developed by Lockheed Martin, HELIOS (High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance) marks a significant advancement in the Navy's push for high-tech energy-based weaponry.
According to Wirtualna Polska, HELIOS combines destructive capabilities ("hard kill") with the ability to disrupt enemy systems ("soft kill").
The system is designed to counter a range of threats, including drones, small boats, and potentially incoming missiles.
A New Era of Laser Weaponry
The HELIOS program began in 2018 under a $150 million contract with Lockheed Martin.
After undergoing critical tests in 2020, the system was installed on the USS Preble in 2021.
Operating with a power output of 60 kW—scalable up to 120 kW—the laser offers flexibility for various operational scenarios.
HELIOS is part of a global race to develop laser-based weapon systems.
The U.S. is not alone in its pursuit; countries such as the UK, Israel, and China are also investing heavily in similar technologies.
The UK aims to complete its DragonFire system by 2027, while Israel’s Iron Beam, developed in partnership with the U.S., seeks to provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional missile defense systems.
China, meanwhile, claims to have created a laser system capable of continuous operation due to advanced cooling technology.
USS Preble's Advanced Capabilities
The USS Preble, measuring 155 meters in length with a displacement of 9,200 tons, exemplifies the U.S. Navy's modern destroyer class.
In addition to HELIOS, the ship is equipped with a 127-mm main gun, Phalanx CIWS (Close-In Weapon System), 25-mm machine guns, and advanced radar systems.
Capable of speeds approaching 60 km/h, the Preble is designed for multi-role operations, from missile defense to surface combat.
The integration of HELIOS on U.S. naval vessels represents a shift toward more versatile and energy-efficient defense solutions.
With global interest in laser technology growing, the deployment of systems like HELIOS is expected to play a critical role in future military strategy and defense operations.
