The U.S. Navy successfully deployed the HELIOS (High Energy Laser Integrated Optical Dazzling and Surveillance) system in a test conducted in fiscal year 2024. According to a report released in January, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Preble fired the HELIOS system in an attempt to engage an aerial unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The test was conducted to verify the functionality and performance of the system.
Details of the Test and Use of the System
The report said the HELIOS laser system was fired from the ship with a white beam of light directed skyward. Although the exact date of the test was not specified, a black-and-white photo was also included in the report. The photo shows the laser beam aimed at a UAV in flight. The successful use of the HELIOS system reinforces the U.S. Navy’s efforts to increase its defense capacity against evolving technological threats.
Countermeasures Center and Testing Process
The report also noted that the Defense Department's Countermeasures Center conducted 1972 tests in fiscal year 2024 to develop and evaluate directed-energy weapons under a program initiated in 32. Some of these tests were conducted to evaluate the performance and battlefield effectiveness of the HELIOS system. The testing of HELIOS means that such systems will be of great importance to future warfighting strategies.
Preble's Quest Path
Preble departed Naval Base San Diego in September 2024 and arrived in Yokosuka, Japan, on October 12, 2024. While no information was given as to where the test took place, these dates indicate the ship’s operations in the Asia-Pacific region.
The HELIOS laser system represents a significant advancement in naval and military technology. This test confirms the potential of laser-based weapons systems and demonstrates the U.S. Navy’s investment in innovative defense technologies. Directed energy weapons are an important means of defense, especially against low-altitude targets such as UAVs.
