2 days ago · The HELIOS system, a 60-plus-kilowatt laser built by Lockheed Martin, was installed on the USS Preble in August 2022, making it the first tactical laser weapon to be integrated into an operational U.S. warship. The system is meant to zap drones, disable enemy sensors, and eventually counter missiles—all without wasting a single missile or bullet.

3 days ago · The Navy has disclosed that the Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Preble successfully test-fired its High-Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) system to take out an aerial target drone in Fiscal Year 2024. Preble’s drone zapping was “to verify and validate the functionality, performance and capability” of HELIOS, and this …

3 days ago · For HELIOS, the U.S. Navy has installed Aegis software capable of operating the laser system on DDG 81, 89, 122, 124 and 127, all of which could receive a HELIOS weapon system if the U.S. Navy pursues such an option. In the meantime, HELIOS testing will continue in 2025 onboard USS Preble.

3 days ago · 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.

4 days ago · The integration of HELIOS aboard the USS Preble is only the first step. The U.S. Navy plans to expand the use of directed energy weapons to other vessels, including more powerful systems such as the 150-kilowatt Laser Weapon System Demonstrator (LWSD), already deployed on select ships.

1 day ago · The USS Preble was forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, on October 12, 2024, joining the US Seventh Fleet to reinforce maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. The deployment of HELIOS-equipped Preble highlights the strategic importance of laser weapons in this region, where the Navy faces increasing drone and missile threats.

Aug 24, 2022 · USS Preble is the first Navy ship with HELIOS, which can damage and destroy targets like small boats and drones, and blind optics. The U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Preble is now armed with a High-Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance system, or HELIOS.

3 days ago · USS Preble tests her HELIOS laser, FY2024 (Courtesy DOT&E) Published Feb 4, 2025 10:10 PM by The Maritime Executive The Pentagon's Director of Operational Testing & Evaluation has released a rare ...