US Navy's Laser Weapon HELIOS Shoots Down Drones, Revolutionizing Naval Warfare

• US Navy successfully tested its High-Energy Laser System (HELIOS) on USS Preble, shooting down four drones.
• HELIOS, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a 60-kilowatt laser weapon integrated with the Aegis Combat System.
• It offers 'soft kill' (dazzling sensors) and 'hard kill' (physical damage) capabilities against drones.
• The system boasts extremely low cost per shot, rapid firing, and no need for traditional ammunition.
• This cost-effective weapon could counter threats like Iran's Shahed drones, despite weather limitations.