![]() ![]() The weapon system “addresses anti-surface warfare and counter-intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance gaps with the ability to dazzle and destroy unmanned aerial systems and defeat fast inshore attack craft,” the documents stated. The service requested about $35 million for the family of systems for its 2023 budget, during which the first system is expected to be operational at-sea. ![]() HELIOS is part of the Navy Laser Family of Systems, a collection of platforms that the service envisions as “the foundation of an incremental strategy for increased laser weapon capability,” according to Navy budget documents. “HELIOS represents a solid foundation for incremental delivery of robust and powerful laser weapon system capabilities.” “HELIOS enhances the overall combat system effectiveness of the ship to deter future threats and provide additional protection for sailors, and we understand we must provide scalable solutions customized to the Navy’s priorities,” said Rick Cordaro, vice president for Lockheed Martin advanced product solutions in a press release. The system - which can blast more than 60 kilowatts of directed energy at targets up to five miles away - is currently being installed on a Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class destroyer that is undergoing upgrades, a company spokesperson told National Defense in an email. The Navy received its first high-energy laser with integrated optical-dazzler and surveillance, or HELIOS, system in the third quarter of fiscal year 2022 from manufacturer Lockheed Martin, according to the company. Now, after decades of experimentation, the Navy is closing in on a low-cost solution that can deter and defend against aerial threats at sea. Threats to Navy vessels continue to grow in the form of drone swarms and anti-ship missiles. ![]() A photo illustration of HELIOS destroying a target
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