Efforts are underway to develop a containerized architecture for the US Navy’s 60-kW-class HELIOS directed-energy weapon, with lawmakers seeking additional investment to accelerate the adoption of mobile laser-based defense systems.
Designed for greater operational flexibility, the concept would allow the weapon to be deployed on a wide range of vessels, from aircraft carriers and amphibious warfare ships to expeditionary sea bases, logistics ships, and frontline surface combatants. Beyond enhancing protection against drones, swarming fast craft, and missile attacks, the system could also be adapted for land-based and shore defense applications.
