Images show US Navy testing HELIOS laser weapon that never runs out of power
Courtesy: SWNS
The US Navy has made a groundbreaking leap in defense technology with the public demonstration of its new HELIOS laser weapon system, capable of shooting down drones and other threats at the speed of light.
Recently tested aboard the USS Preble, HELIOS was designed to target unmanned aerial vehicles, offering an innovative way to protect military assets from the growing drone threat.
The HELIOS system, developed by Lockheed Martin, uses more than 60 kilowatts of directed energy—enough to power 60 homes. The laser can destroy targets up to five miles away and operate without running out of power, as it draws its energy from the ship's constantly replenishing source.
The successful demonstration of HELIOS has excited military analysts, with the US Naval Institute pointing out that drones have long been a growing concern, but have often gone unaddressed. "The drone threat has been around for years, but the Navy has yet to prioritize defending against these easily acquired weapons," the report states.
the what https://t.co/MQJojTIcob pic.twitter.com/sm2WJRHUrj
The laser’s capabilities extend beyond drones, also able to disrupt the sensors of enemy vessels and neutralize small boats and missiles. Officials confirmed that the system's integration with the ship's combat system enhances its ability to detect and track targets.
Following the release of stunning images showing the beam shooting a drone out of the sky, the weapon’s real-life Star Wars-like potential has captured the imagination of fans online. Social media reactions have been a mix of awe and humor, with some joking about the growing strength of the US military: "We got US navy laser weapons before GTA 6," tweeted one user.
step aside @TheSimpsons, Totally Spies predicted this one 😌💅 https://t.co/y8uMz2gVio pic.twitter.com/X13tc0K6kl
— Reverie 🌸 (@HstSdt) February 4, 2025We got US navy laser weapons before GTA 6
While another chimed in with a Star Wars reference, saying, "Now this is some real life star wars sh!t."
Now this is some real life star wars sh!t https://t.co/tLKtjl7E48
Some even made memes predicting how pirates might fare against the new technology: "Somalian pirates in about 5 months," one user quipped. Others weren’t shy in showing their admiration for the power of HELIOS, with one fan adding, "these niggas got a laser called HELIOS, I’m not worried ab any other country ngl."
Somalian pirates in about 5 months https://t.co/oadvnMS9SA pic.twitter.com/YQ1BL5wHs1
these niggas got a laser called helios im not worried ab any other country ngl https://t.co/Ca7c8yIzi6
While the testing of HELIOS is part of a broader effort by the US Navy to keep pace with emerging threats, the successful demonstration of the laser weapon has surely made an impression. As military technology advances rapidly, it’s clear that future warfare might look a lot like science fiction.