
The U.S. Navy recently shared a new photo showcasing the USS Preble [DDG-88] firing its HELIOS laser weapon into the sea, one of the clearest images of its kind in recent years. While the exact date of the photo remains unclear, it highlights the significant emphasis the U.S. is placing on advancing this technology.
The HELIOS (High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance) system represents a major advancement in naval defense, transitioning from theoretical concepts to real-world applications. Developed by Lockheed Martin, it exemplifies the Navy’s push to incorporate cutting-edge directed energy weapons into its fleet, boosting defense capabilities against contemporary threats.
HELIOS, named after the Greek god of the sun, integrates a high-energy laser, optical dazzler, and surveillance capabilities. This combination offers a multi-layered defense, enabling both hard and soft kill operations. Hard kill involves physically destroying targets, while soft kill aims to disrupt or disable enemy systems. The Navy intends for HELIOS to address threats like drones, small boats, and potential missile attacks at close range.
In 2018, Lockheed Martin secured a $150 million contract to develop HELIOS, which included producing two systems—one for land-based testing and the other for naval deployment. The system passed its Critical Design Review in 2020, and testing began in 2021 at Wallops Island, Virginia. The first operational deployment occurred aboard the USS Preble [DDG-88], marking the ship as the first in the U.S. Navy to carry this directed energy weapon. Integration with the Aegis Combat System further strengthens the ship’s overall defensive capability.
Operating at 60 kilowatts, HELIOS can be scaled up to 120 kilowatts, offering adaptability for varying mission requirements. The system’s ability to deliver precision strikes and its virtually unlimited “ammunition”—as long as power is available—distinguish it from conventional weaponry, reducing logistical burdens and enhancing endurance in resupply-challenged situations.
Beyond destruction, the optical dazzler feature can temporarily blind or disrupt enemy sensors, particularly drones and surveillance devices, providing a strategic advantage in counter-reconnaissance operations. The integration with the Aegis Combat System ensures seamless coordination with other defense measures, maximizing the ship’s combat efficiency.
HELIOS has undergone rigorous testing by the U.S. Navy’s Center for Countermeasures [CCM], with successful engagements of UAV targets. While the system’s performance has been validated, critics note challenges related to power generation and atmospheric conditions affecting laser effectiveness. The Navy is actively addressing these issues by enhancing shipboard power systems.
The deployment of HELIOS on the USS Preble marks the beginning of a broader Navy initiative to incorporate directed energy weapons across its fleet, with more powerful systems like the 150 kW Laser Weapon System Demonstrator [LWSD] planned for other vessels. This effort aligns with the U.S. military’s broader focus on using technology for cost-effective defense, especially in a world where asymmetric threats are on the rise.
Other countries are also investing in high-energy laser weapon technology. The UK, for example, is advancing its “DragonFire” system, with recent successful trials involving drone interception. Israel’s “Iron Beam” is designed for short-range threats, while China claims to have developed a laser weapon capable of firing indefinitely, thanks to an innovative cooling system. Russia is focused on ground-based lasers for anti-satellite purposes, and Germany has been developing versatile laser systems for threats ranging from drones to artillery shells. Other nations, including India, Turkey, South Korea, Japan, and Australia, are also making strides in this area, each with different focuses based on their defense needs.
The global trend is clear: high-energy lasers are becoming a pivotal tool in modern warfare, providing cost-effective, rapid-response capabilities against evolving threats. As these systems continue to develop, they could reshape the dynamics of future conflicts by offering more sustainable and adaptable defense solutions.
The deployment of Lockheed’s HELIOS marks a significant milestone in naval warfare, setting the stage for a future where directed energy weapons redefine combat at sea.