Advertisement

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

  • Web Desk
  • Share

Advertisement

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laser is all-electric and has no explosive power, it presents a lower danger of causing a disastrous accident than an outdated bomb, according to TechSpot.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

Advertisement

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.”

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement
Read More News On

Catch all the Business News, Breaking News Event and Latest News Updates on The BOL News


Download The BOL News App to get the Daily News Update & Live News.


Advertisement
End of Story
BOL Stories of the day
"Pro-Pakistan" slogans flash on LED boards of shops in Goa; 9 detained
Afghanistan tops global opium production, UN finds
Nancy Pelosi quits from reelection after nearly 40 years in Congress
Trump announces Kazakhstan to join Abraham Accords
Miss Universe contestants stand in solidarity after Miss Mexico is publicly insulted
Trump Administration revokes visas of 80,000 immigrants
Next Article
Exit mobile version