US Navy ‘destroys’ drone with electric-powered laser for first time

The US Navy has arranged a new electric laser weapon with a huge defensive upside.

The weapon can take lethal and non-lethal measures to disable or destroy targets.

The laser was tested on a drone and beamed from the deck of a warship.

Given the laser is all-electric and has no explosive power, it presents a lower danger of causing a disastrous accident than an outdated bomb, according to TechSpot.

The US military has experimented with lasers in the past — but previous attempts were based on chemicals.

The project is led by the US Navy and defense contractor Lockheed Martin.

Reporting by New Atlas says another benefit of going electric is the laser has a “theoretically unlimited supply of ammunition,” so long as the ship it’s on has power.

Talking about lasers, chief of naval research Rear Adm. Lorin Shelby said, “They present transformational capabilities to the fleet, address varied threats, and provide precision engagements.”

During the February test, the electric laser successfully disabled a drone meant to represent a hostile missile.

Lockheed Martin expects that future laser technologies will be used across air, ground, or sea.

Shelby added the laser “[complements] existing defensive systems and enhances sustained lethality in high-intensity conflict.”

A representative from Lockheed Martin said luxury car manufacturer Rolls-Royce made contributions as well.

Currently, the US Navy has no plans to bring the Layered Laser Defense to the field.

President Biden in March proposed a budget of $773 billion for the Department of Defense.

With Russia becoming progressively bold in military engagements, some Americans are glad to have a chunk of their taxes go to defense, while more progressive citizens and politicians think Biden should be reducing military spending.