The U.S. Navy has taken a significant step forward in directed energy technology with the successful testing of the HELIOS high-energy laser aboard the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Preble. The demonstration, supported by the U.S. Center for Countermeasures (CCM), demonstrated the system’s ability to defeat unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) guidance and control systems, according to the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E)’s FY2024 annual report, released in January 2025. The test marked a significant milestone in the integration of laser weapons into the U.S. Navy’s arsenal, marking the transition from experimental development to combat use.

In tests conducted in 2024, the 60-kilowatt HELIOS system demonstrated its effectiveness against airborne threats. The Countermeasures Center collected detailed, high-resolution images, allowing for in-depth analysis of the laser’s performance. This process highlighted the technology’s strategic role in countering emerging challenges, such as drone and drone swarms, which are becoming increasingly common in modern conflicts. The success of the tests confirms that the U.S. Navy is prepared to expand the use of similar systems on other ships, strengthening the Navy’s defense against an increasingly asymmetric threat.

HELIOS, or High-Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance, is a combination laser weapon and optical tracking system. It is capable of not only destroying targets, but also blinding their sensors, making it a versatile tool for maritime defense. According to experts, the transition to such technologies is due to the need to counter inexpensive but numerous threats that overwhelm traditional air defense systems on ships. Lasers operating at the speed of light provide precision, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability in long-term operations, which is especially important in modern warfare at sea.

The USS Preble test was not just a technical achievement, but also a signal of a rethinking of U.S. naval doctrine. The rise of drone and electronic warfare attacks is forcing the Navy to adapt to new realities. As the DOT&E report notes, the successful use of HELIOS paves the way for the widespread adoption of directed energy systems, once considered futuristic, to become a real tool capable of changing the balance of power at sea thanks to their quietness and effectiveness.

Against this backdrop, the US Navy is already planning the next stage. According to Pentagon officials in March 2025, the Navy intends to equip several more destroyers and cruisers with laser systems over the next two years. This decision is related to the aggravation of the situation in key maritime regions, including the Pacific Ocean and the Middle East, where adversaries are actively using drones for reconnaissance and attacks. In particular, recent incidents with Iranian drones in the Persian Gulf have shown the vulnerability of traditional defense methods, which has accelerated the development and implementation of HELIOS.