The Navy's surface ships are now able to defend themselves, despite some doubts about the effectiveness of laser weapons against cruise missiles. They can also be equipped with high-energy or laser lasers. These weapons are capable of knocking out cruise missiles from mid-air or destroying them if they strike the ship directly. Lasers also have other uses, such as countering UAVs.
Navy scientists are developing a range of laser weapons for ships. One of the most powerful is the High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-Dazzler and Surveillance system (HELIOS), which was developed by Lockheed Martin. It will emit a 60-kilowatt beam which can blow up cruise missiles from mid-air. The weapon will include a deep magazine, high-speed light distribution and a high-speed light source. The Navy will integrate this weapon on DDG 51 Flight III Next-Generation Disablers, which are already in production. It will also be installed on Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
Advanced power technologies are required for high-energy laser system. They are vulnerable to corrosion and contamination, as well as atmospheric turbulentence that could cause laser performance to be affected. The laser generates heat as the beam power grows. A large ship will be required to house a laser of this power. The laser should be mounted on a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Other options include a ship with an electric drive propulsion system.
The Navy is developing a laser weapon that can counter anti-ship missiles. The Naval Surface Warfare Center's Dahlgren Division developed the Optical dazzling interdictor Navy (LaWS). This weapon is going to be used on a new Middle East-based afloat staging facility. The laser will also go on Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
A laser weapon that can counter anti-ship cruise missiles will need lots of power. It will also need to resist loss of energy, as the beam will need to focus on a single point on the missile. It will need to be capable of withstanding atmospheric turbulence.
Navy scientists and engineers are working to build the Navy Laser Family of Systems. By 2025, they hope to be able field a megawatt class laser. The Department of Defense is also developing a laser technology maturation program that could result in a 1-megawatt laser. The weapon could be mounted on ships but its power will be limited to one task at a given time. The Navy will also develop a laser weapon that can be used on aircraft carriers.
The US Navy is currently trying lasers aboard its amphibious ship USS Ponce. This vessel was converted into an Afloat Forward Staging Base in the Persian Gulf until September of 2017. Its beam measures a dime-circle. It was made to be used against small target boats and drones. It was scheduled to go into operation in December 2014. It is not only developing the SNLWS but also laser weapons to combat UAVs. The Navy is collaborating with British industry to create the Advanced Electric Power and Propulsion Project Arrangement. This arrangement will examine future energy storage options for naval weapons.