U.S Navy’s Most Advanced Laser Weapons Systems On USS Preble
The U.S. Navy has revealed new details about a laser weapon test conducted in 2025, highlighting considerable progress in the development of ship-based weapon systems.
In 2025, the Navy’s famed Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Preble, demonstrated its high-energy laser, which shot down 4 drones at sea.
This event was mentioned recently, as senior naval leaders called upon authorities to make laser weapons a frontline defence against short-range targets.
The increasing use of laser systems onboard ships
Laser weapons have many benefits in naval warfare and can target unmanned surface vehicles, drones, small boats, etc.
High-Energy lasers, for example, are cost-effective, and their cost per shot is much less than traditional weapons like missiles, which are worth thousands of dollars.
Secondly, as lasers operate on electricity, they don’t need to be physically reloaded, enabling ships to remain on station longer and decreasing dependence on supply ships.
Most importantly, lasers travel at the speed of light and are extremely precise.
Lasers are also very versatile and can be calibrated to fire non-lethal shots for disabling a target, for instance, dazzle sensors or lasers to destroy drones.
Apart from the United States, China and Russia are also testing these systems, with 100-plus systems being developed to counter cruise missiles.
USS Preble Laser Weapons Testing
U.S Defence and eronautics Company Lockheed Martinstated that USS Preble neutralised 4 aerial vehicles in a navy-operated counter-drone test in 2025.
This was a significant milestone and also different from earlier trials of such systems, as it previously involved just one target.
Officials are positive that the HELIOS weapon system will play a crucial role in the naval warfare of the U.S. and its allies when facing advanced threats.
Though full technical details about the test, target profiles or engagement timelines have not been released, this test is being hailed as a big achievement by the senior officials of the Navy.
Design Specifications of the HELIOS Weapon System
Also called Mk 5 Mod 0, the system is a 60-kilowatt-class laser which can destroy or damage drones and small surface threats.
It has an optical dazzler to disrupt or blind enemy sensors and can be scaled up to 150 kilowatts.
USS Preble was equipped with HELIOS in 2022 and is the only ship having this system, though other destroyers of the Arleigh-Burke class had received the ODIN laser, which is only for disrupting enemy vessels’ sensors.
The system onboard the Preble was also tested in 2024 when the system shot down a single drone.
Why U.S Navy want laser weapons?
While many benefits of the laser weapon systems have already been discussed above, the main reason why the United States is pushing so hard for their development is because of their cost.
A single RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile costs roughly $1 million.
On the other hand, laser shots cost only electricity and are swift and precise. Traditional systems like Mk 15 Phalanx have limitations, as they can fire for 30 seconds before needing ammunition.
These limitations have become more pronounced as drones are becoming more advanced and coordinated, often fired alongside cruise missiles for maximum impact.
Difficulties With Onboard Laser Weapon Systems
Laser Weapons have their own share of problems, as most ones developed till now cannot take down multiple targets at once.
Their accuracy drops with distance as the laser beam scatters in the atmosphere. Smoke, dust particles and exposure to saltwater can also reduce performance.
U.S Naval Ambitions
However, naval leaders are determined that laser weapons are the answer.
Vice Adm. Brendan McLane, head of Naval Surface Forces, emphasised continued development during a January symposium.
“The dream of a laser on every ship can become a real one,” he said.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle said that future ships should be designed with powerful energy weapons in mind.
At present, USS Preble is the Navy’s testbed for laser weapons systems.
The Areligh-Burke class Aegis missile destroyer was launched in 2001 and is presently based in Yokosuka, Japan, as part of the 7th Fleet.
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Zahra is an SEO-Strategist & a Technical Writer with over 5 years of experience crafting top-tier content for the shipping world. From news, articles, ebooks, blogs and marketing pieces to industry white papers, she has written it all and now brings that experience to her role as Senior Editor. She makes complex maritime stories clear, sharp, and engaging.
Disclaimer :
The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.
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