More
    HomeMilitaryLaser Defense Systems: The Future of US Navy’s Anti-Missile Warfare

    Laser Defense Systems: The Future of US Navy’s Anti-Missile Warfare

    Published on

    spot_img

    In the face of escalating missile threats from adversaries, the U.S. Navy’s foray into laser weapon systems marks a pivotal shift in naval warfare tactics.

    The Navy’s destroyers have grappled with an onslaught of hostile drones and missiles, particularly those launched by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in the strategically vital waterways of the Red Sea and Gulf of Yemen. Despite successful interceptions, the costs incurred using conventional anti-aircraft missiles are significantly higher than the threats they neutralize, with taxpayer money footing the bill.

    140925-N-NI474-536
    ARABIAN GULF (Sept. 25, 2014) The afloat forward staging base (interim) USS Ponce (AFSB(I) 15) transits the Arabian Gulf. Ponce is equipped with the Laser Weapon System (LaWS), a technology demonstrator built by Naval Sea Systems Command from commercial fiber solid-state lasers. The system utilizes combination methods developed at the Naval Research Laboratory to successfully shoot down a target. LaWS can be directed onto targets from the radar track obtained from an MK 15 Phalanx Close-In Weapon System or other targeting source. This capability provides ships with a method to easily defeat small boat threats and aerial targets without using bullets. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel M. Young/Released)

    In an effort to counterbalance these expenditures and enhance defensive capabilities, Congress has authorized research into laser technology through the fiscal 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDDA).

    This initiative aims to develop cost-effective, efficient, and potent defense solutions that could revolutionize the U.S. Navy’s missile defense systems.

    Lockheed Martin’s Layered Laser Defense (LLD) system exemplifies such innovation, boasting the ability to counter a variety of threats, including unmanned aerial systems and cruise missiles, without the need for extensive ammunition supplies.

    The LLD is designed to sustain multiple engagements in scenarios where other systems would be overwhelmed. The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has also echoed successful trials with their DragonFire laser, capable of precision targeting and high-speed engagement.

    However, questions linger as to why these lasers have not yet been deployed on warships. The power output required for these lasers to be effective is currently beyond the capability of most Navy ships, which typically do not possess the necessary power generation systems, such as nuclear reactors found on the Navy’s supercarriers.

    For instance, even a 150kW-class laser weapon took a prolonged 15 seconds to down an airborne drone, highlighting the need for more powerful lasers to effectively neutralize threats in real-time combat scenarios.

    The range of current laser weapons, which is less than a mile, also presents a significant limitation when compared to conventional missile systems.

    The Pentagon is keen to overcome these technological hurdles by doubling the power output of lasers to over 300 kilowatts, as discussed at the Association of Old Crows electronic warfare conference. Dr. Thomas Karr, assistant director for directed energy under Pentagon R&D chief Mike Griffin, is spearheading an effort to amplify the power of laser weapons across all services.

    For the Navy, the Surface Navy Laser Weapon System is envisioned to evolve in three stages. The first increment, the 60 kW HELIOS system, already equips ships to handle drones and small boats.

    The second increment will increase power to enable the targeting of cruise missiles protecting nearby vessels, while the third increment will provide enough firepower to defend the host ship against direct threats.

    The U.S. Navy is not just conceptualizing these advancements; it has already begun the practical implementation. As of early 2021, several Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers have been equipped with the Optical Dazzling Interdictor, Navy (ODIN) system.

    While ODIN is a nonlethal tool aimed at impairing enemy sensors and drones, the HELIOS system, slated to be installed on the destroyer USS Preble, harbors ambitions of becoming an anti-missile defense system, capable of downing incoming cruise missiles with precise and intense heat application.

    If HELIOS proves effective, the implications for naval strategy are profound. Ships equipped with this laser technology could potentially forgo a portion of their defensive missile systems, allowing for a greater emphasis on offensive capabilities—an invaluable asset in the context of naval confrontations.

    Relevant articles:
    Lasers: The Ultimate Way for the U.S. Navy to Destroy Missiles?, The National Interest
    Lasers: The Ultimate Way for the U.S. Navy to Destroy Missiles?, The National Interest
    Lasers To Kill Cruise Missiles Sought By Navy, Air Force, Army, Breaking Defense
    The Navy Is Getting Really Into Lasers, Popular Mechanics

    Latest articles

    F-15 Eagle’s Dominance: The Untold Story of Its First Combat Triumph

    In the annals of military aviation history, few aircraft have earned a reputation quite...

    Uncovering WWII Bombs: Germany’s Continuing Battle with Hidden Threats

    Every year, German land produces a chilling crop: roughly 2,000 tons of unexploded World...

    Clacton Spear Discovery Reshapes Early Hominid Hunting and Cognition Understanding

    The recent focus on the Clacton Spear, an old wooden object discovered in Clacton-on-Sea,...

    FN Five-seveN MRD: A New Era in Precision Handguns

    The FN Five-seveN has stood out in the modern firearms landscape for years, known...

    More like this

    F-15 Eagle’s Dominance: The Untold Story of Its First Combat Triumph

    In the annals of military aviation history, few aircraft have earned a reputation quite...

    Uncovering WWII Bombs: Germany’s Continuing Battle with Hidden Threats

    Every year, German land produces a chilling crop: roughly 2,000 tons of unexploded World...

    Clacton Spear Discovery Reshapes Early Hominid Hunting and Cognition Understanding

    The recent focus on the Clacton Spear, an old wooden object discovered in Clacton-on-Sea,...