Lockheed Martin delivers HELIOS laser to US Navy
HELIOS rendering. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
Lockheed Martin has delivered a 60+ kilowatt-class high-energy laser with integrated optical-dazzler and surveillance (HELIOS) system to the US Navy.
HELIOS is the first tactical laser weapon system to be integrated into existing USN ships, giving the service a directed energy weapon capability.
The laser weapon offers another tool in the box for the layered defence of ships, offering a magazine limited only by the amount of electrical power a vessel can generate.
Lockheed Martin Advanced Product Solution VP Rick Cordaro said: ‘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.
‘HELIOS represents a solid foundation for incremental delivery of robust and powerful laser weapon system capabilities.’
A HELIOS system is planned to be installed onboard the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Preble this year.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes]()
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.
-
![Australia commissions HMAS Arafura three-and-a-half years behind schedule]()
Australia commissions HMAS Arafura three-and-a-half years behind schedule
The Royal Australian Navy has finally commissioned the first Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel – more than three years behind schedule – highlighting the programme’s delays, design compromises and ongoing industrial restructuring.
-
![Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates]()
Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates
The Italian Navy is being refreshed with two new ships ordered, while in the past six months steel was cut for a new frigate, an enhanced frigate was delivered and Horizon-class frigates passed a design review.
