U.S. Navy Shoots Down Drone With High-Energy Laser Aboard USS Preble

The U.S. Navy has successfully tested its HELIOS (High Energy Laser With Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance) laser system aboard the USS Preble, and Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, to take down a target drone in Fiscal Year 2024.

The Navy plans to integrate shipboard laser weapons into their operations, which has faced challenges in the past, with some similar systems experiencing delays and cancellations.

The test aimed to verify the HELIOS system’s functionality, performance and capability. However, the exact location and timing of the test were not disclosed.

The USS Preble, which relocated from San Diego to Japan in September, has had HELIOS aboard since 2022, predating its combat use against drone threats from Houthi rebels.

The system is useful for defending against drones, small boats, and even missiles. It’s especially important as the Navy faces ongoing drone and missile threats in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

HELIOS is a 60-kilowatt system developed by Lockhe…

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