Tests conducted in February showed that laser weapons can track and destroy larger targets such as missiles and drones, as well as smaller targets such as robotic fixed-wing aircraft, quadcopters and subsonic cruise missiles. According to the Navy, laser weapons have a number of advantages.

what is known

The Navy has deployed laser weapons on the Ponce aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf in 2014 and the Portland aircraft carrier in 2021. Both samples were neutralized without being dropped by drones, and both were demonstrators. The Navy currently does not plan to use these lasers as a standard weapon system.

But the latest LLD laser test demonstrates the technology’s growing capabilities, including the use of artificial intelligence to monitor and detect threats.

• Using a high-resolution telescope, the system can track and identify targets and determine damage caused by the laser.
• In addition, the laser can be scaled (for example, reduced) to disable sensors or blind enemy forces.
• Unlike previous chemical-powered laser weapons, this weapon consists of solid-state and fiberglass coils.
• These coils can be combined. The lasers produced by them will be folded into a single powerful beam and reflected through optics that direct it, focus it and compensate for atmospheric distortions.
• Additionally, laser guns do not require explosives or fuel, making them safer to store on board.
• While having a theoretically unlimited supply of ammunition, the available power cuts costs down to about a dollar per shot.

This time, the LLD laser system is mounted on a red drone that emits a high-energy beam invisible to the naked eye. He focused on the engine of his target: it suddenly glowed orange and began to fall.

Laser system installed on a drone / US Navy Photo

It is unclear when Lockheed Martin will present a fully completed and ready-to-use combat system. However, even current developments give the US Army a huge advantage over the enemy.