HEL on High Water: The Top Navy Laser Weapon Systems

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April 23, 2019 | Originally published by Date Line: April 23 on

The concept of using high-energy and directed lasers for naval military applications is gathering pace among the world’s superpowers. What navy laser weapon systems are currently in development, what are the benefits, and when are they likely to become operational?

Across the world, armed forces have been developing navy laser weapon systems to use in battle. For example, the U.S. Navy’s HELIOS system has high energy, intelligence, and counter-UAV capabilities, while Russia claims its Filin 5P-42 can disorientate an enemy and induce vomiting.

What are the top navy laser weapon systems, why are they unique, and how far are we from seeing them in maritime battles?

Lockheed Martin reported it is pushing ahead with its efforts to deliver two High-Energy Laser and Intergrated Optical-Dazzler with Surveillance (HELIOS) systems to the U.S. Navy in 2020.