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U.S. Navy Equips Nine Destroyers With Laser Weapons
The U.S. Navy has installed directed energy systems on nine Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and is expanding testing across the fleet. Two primary systems are now operational: the lower-powered ODIN dazzler and the more powerful HELIOS laser aboard USS Preble.
May 20, 12:36 PM·1m read2 sources
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U.S. Navy official confirmed. Nine American destroyers now carry operational shipboard solid state lasers for self-defense. The systems address limits on missile magazine depth during extended operations against drone and missile threats.
ODIN-equipped destroyers are operating in the Indian Ocean in support of operations against Iran. USS Spruance is part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, while USS John Finn is independently deployed. USS Gridley, also fitted with ODIN, is escorting the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz in the South Atlantic.
The remaining ODIN destroyers are at homeports in San Diego and Yokosuka. The more powerful HELIOS system is installed only on USS Preble, forward-deployed at Yokosuka, Japan. During a demonstration last year, Preble successfully disabled four incoming drones.
The recently released FY2027 budget includes billions for scaled directed energy research and development. Budget documents state that directed energy capabilities offer an inexpensive cost-per-shot alternative to conventional systems. U.S. Navy official, May 2026 Laser weapons remain limited by range, atmospheric conditions, and the need for extended beam dwell time on targets.
Reliability issues with delicate components have also affected field performance. Despite these constraints, the systems are improving and are expected to play a larger role in naval warfare as power and reliability increase.
