The US Navy has released images of its new laser weapon, HELIOS, in action, shooting down a drone for the first time.

HELIOS, developed by Lockheed Martin, was tested aboard the USS Preble, showcasing its powerful directed energy beam.

The system delivers over 60 kilowatts of energy at the speed of light and can hit targets up to five miles away.

It is designed to counter drones, small boats, and potentially missiles, while also disrupting enemy surveillance systems.

The test comes as drone and missile threats to US warships continue to rise.

A report from the US Naval Institute highlighted the challenges of defending against drones with conventional weapons.

The US Center for Countermeasures confirmed that HELIOS was successfully integrated into the USS Preble’s combat system.

The laser can fire indefinitely as long as the ship’s power supply is maintained, the Daily Mail has reported.

Billionaire and Homeland Security Advisor Marc Andreessen recently suggested AI-powered fighter jets will dominate future wars.

He argued that AI-controlled jets, capable of Mach 5 speeds, will change the nature of warfare by prioritizing technology over manpower.

Written by B.C. Begley