Within Preble Test
Can HELIOS Replace Ship Missiles?
HELIOS looks most credible as an added counter-drone layer, not as a replacement for missiles, guns, or close-in defenses.
On this page
- Why drone defense is the most defensible role
- How lasers complement missiles and guns
- Why missile defense remains a harder problem
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Introduction
The USS Preble drone tests demonstrated something important, but narrower than many headlines suggested. They did not show that HELIOS is ready to replace naval air-defence systems. Instead, they showed where a shipboard laser can fit within a layered defensive architecture: as an additional counter-drone and low-cost threat layer that sits between surveillance systems and traditional kinetic weapons. The most credible role for HELIOS today is helping destroyers handle unmanned aerial systems, small boats, and sensor-dependent threats without expending expensive missiles. That makes it valuable, but complementary rather than revolutionary. Modern warships still require missiles, guns, and close-in weapon systems because different threats impose different engagement requirements. [Navy Times+2UK Defence Journal]navytimes.comus navy hits drone with helios laser in successful testNavy TimesUS Navy hits drone with HELIOS laser in successful test4 Feb 2025 — The US Navy successfully tested its High-Energy Laser with…
Can HELIOS Replace Ship Missiles?
The short answer is no. HELIOS appears designed to augment a destroyer’s defensive layers rather than replace them.
Modern naval defence relies on multiple overlapping systems because threats vary enormously in speed, size, manoeuvrability, range, and resilience. Long-range missiles engage aircraft and missiles far from the ship. Medium-range weapons provide another interception opportunity. Close-in guns and rapid-reaction systems protect against threats that penetrate the outer layers. HELIOS adds a directed-energy option within that broader structure rather than eliminating the need for the others. [UK Defence Journal+2National Defense Magazine]ukdefencejournal.org.ukamerican warship downs drones with laser weaponUK Defence JournalAmerican warship downs drones with laser weapon3 Feb 2026 — HELIOS is a roughly 60-kilowatt class laser integrated dire…
What makes HELIOS unusual is that it is integrated into the Aegis combat system rather than functioning as a stand-alone experiment. That integration allows the laser to use the destroyer’s sensors, tracking data, and fire-control architecture alongside conventional weapons. The Navy’s interest is therefore not simply in fielding a laser, but in adding another engagement method to an existing defensive network. [Lockheed Martin+2Wikipedia]lockheedmartin.commore than a laser helios is an integrated weapon systemLockheed MartinMore Than a Laser, HELIOS is an Integrated Weapon System9 Jan 2021 — The High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler…
Why Drone Defence Is the Most Defensible Role
The strongest public evidence for HELIOS concerns counter-drone operations.
The Preble tests publicly confirmed successful engagements against unmanned aerial vehicles, and later disclosures indicated multiple drone kills during expanded testing. Those demonstrations align closely with the threat set for which HELIOS was originally developed. [Navy Times+2Defense Daily]navytimes.comus navy hits drone with helios laser in successful testNavy TimesUS Navy hits drone with HELIOS laser in successful test4 Feb 2025 — The US Navy successfully tested its High-Energy Laser with…
Drones are particularly suitable laser targets for several reasons:
- They are generally slower than missiles.
- They often have exposed sensors, control systems, and lightweight structures.
- Many are inexpensive, making missile-on-drone exchanges economically unfavourable.
- Swarm attacks can stress missile inventories, whereas lasers are limited primarily by power generation and cooling rather than ammunition stocks. [SpaceWar+2The War Zone]spacewar.comSpace War U.SNavy intercepted test drone with HELIOS directed-…5 Feb 2025 — Engineers at Lockheed Martin developed the HELIOS directed-energy weapo…
This economic dimension is one of the strongest arguments for HELIOS. Destroyers may carry a limited number of surface-to-air missiles, each costing far more than the small drones increasingly used in maritime conflicts. A laser offers a way to preserve missile inventories for more dangerous targets while still defeating lower-end threats. [The War Zone+2Lockheed Martin]twz.comuss preble used helios laser to zap four drones in expanding testingThe War ZoneUSS Preble Used HELIOS Laser To Zap Four Drones In…Feb 2, 2026 — Laser directed energy weapons like HELIOS offer functiona…
The system’s optical-dazzling capability also creates an intermediate option. Instead of physically destroying a target, HELIOS can potentially degrade or blind electro-optical sensors used for reconnaissance or targeting. In some scenarios, disabling the drone’s ability to observe or guide weapons may be sufficient. [Lockheed Martin+2UK Defence Journal]lockheedmartin.commore than a laser helios is an integrated weapon systemLockheed MartinMore Than a Laser, HELIOS is an Integrated Weapon System9 Jan 2021 — The High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler…
How Lasers Complement Missiles and Guns
A useful way to think about HELIOS is as a specialised tool that fills gaps between existing weapons.
Missiles remain the preferred option for long-range engagements and high-value threats. They can reach targets far beyond laser range and are less affected by atmospheric conditions. Guns provide a rapid, close-range kinetic layer and retain effectiveness against many aerial threats. Recent naval operations in the Red Sea have highlighted the continuing value of deck guns against drones because they offer a lower-cost alternative to missile expenditure. [Business Insider]businessinsider.comThis tactic offers a cost-effective alternative to expensive surface-to-air missiles, like the $2 million SM-2. Deck guns, particularly t…
HELIOS adds a different set of advantages:
- Speed-of-light engagement: no flight time once the beam is on target.
- Deep magazine potential: as long as sufficient electrical power and cooling are available.
- Low marginal cost per shot: compared with missile interceptors.
- Precision effects: from sensor dazzling to structural damage. [The War Zone+2Lockheed Martin]twz.comuss preble used helios laser to zap four drones in expanding testingThe War ZoneUSS Preble Used HELIOS Laser To Zap Four Drones In…Feb 2, 2026 — Laser directed energy weapons like HELIOS offer functiona…
In practice, a destroyer commander might reserve missiles for aircraft or cruise missiles, use guns for certain close-range engagements, and employ HELIOS against drones or other suitable low-end threats. The objective is not replacing existing layers but managing them more efficiently. [Business Insider+2The War Zone]businessinsider.comThis tactic offers a cost-effective alternative to expensive surface-to-air missiles, like the $2 million SM-2. Deck guns, particularly t…
Why Missile Defence Remains a Harder Problem
Although some descriptions of HELIOS mention missile-defence potential, this remains a much more demanding mission than counter-drone warfare.
Anti-ship cruise missiles are typically faster, more manoeuvrable, and more robust than small drones. They present smaller engagement windows and often approach at low altitude over the sea, where atmospheric effects can complicate laser performance. A laser must hold sufficient energy on a vulnerable point long enough to produce meaningful damage, a requirement that becomes harder as target speed increases. [Wikipedia]WikipediaHigh Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and SurveillanceHigh Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance
Power is another issue. HELIOS is generally described as a roughly 60-kilowatt-class system. While significant, current naval laser development programmes aimed specifically at cruise-missile defence are increasingly exploring systems in the 150-kilowatt to 300-kilowatt range and beyond. The existence of these higher-power efforts suggests that many defence planners view current-generation lasers as stepping stones rather than complete missile-defence solutions. [Wikipedia+2Defense News]WikipediaHigh Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and SurveillanceHigh Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance
The Navy’s public testing record also reflects this distinction. The most clearly documented successes involve drones rather than operationally representative anti-ship missile interceptions. That does not mean missile defence is impossible, but it does indicate where the technology appears most mature today. [Navy Times+2Defense Daily]navytimes.comus navy hits drone with helios laser in successful testNavy TimesUS Navy hits drone with HELIOS laser in successful test4 Feb 2025 — The US Navy successfully tested its High-Energy Laser with…
What the USS Preble Tests Actually Suggest About Future Fleet Defence
Viewed through the lens of layered defence, the Preble demonstrations support a relatively conservative conclusion. HELIOS appears to be evolving into a practical counter-drone and sensor-defeat layer that can reduce pressure on missile inventories and give destroyers more engagement options against inexpensive threats. [Navy Times+2The War Zone]navytimes.comus navy hits drone with helios laser in successful testNavy TimesUS Navy hits drone with HELIOS laser in successful test4 Feb 2025 — The US Navy successfully tested its High-Energy Laser with…
That is still strategically significant. Modern naval operations increasingly confront large numbers of unmanned systems, and the cost imbalance between cheap drones and expensive interceptors has become a major operational concern. A laser that reliably defeats those targets changes the economics of defence even if it does not replace traditional weapons. [SpaceWar+2The War Zone]spacewar.comSpace War U.SNavy intercepted test drone with HELIOS directed-…5 Feb 2025 — Engineers at Lockheed Martin developed the HELIOS directed-energy weapo…
The evidence from HELIOS therefore points less toward a missile-free future and more toward a new defensive layer. Missiles remain essential for the most demanding threats, guns remain valuable for close-range engagements, and HELIOS offers a directed-energy option that is particularly well suited to drones and similar targets. In that sense, the system’s greatest achievement may not be replacing existing weapons at all, but making the entire defensive stack more resilient and more affordable to operate. [UK Defence Journal+2The War Zone]ukdefencejournal.org.ukamerican warship downs drones with laser weaponUK Defence JournalAmerican warship downs drones with laser weapon3 Feb 2026 — HELIOS is a roughly 60-kilowatt class laser integrated dire…
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Endnotes
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Source: Wikipedia
Title: High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Energy_Laser_with_Integrated_Optical-dazzler_and_Surveillance -
Source: spacewar.com
Title: Space War U.S
Link: https://www.spacewar.com/reports/US_Navy_intercepted_test_drone_with_HELIOS_directed-energy_weapon_999.htmlSource snippet
Navy intercepted test drone with HELIOS directed-...5 Feb 2025 — Engineers at Lockheed Martin developed the HELIOS directed-energy weapo...
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Source: Wikipedia
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HELIOSSource snippet
HELIOSThe High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) or Mk 5 Mod 0 HELIOS is a Lockheed Martin-develo...
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Source: navytimes.com
Title: us navy hits drone with helios laser in successful test
Link: https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2025/02/04/us-navy-hits-drone-with-helios-laser-in-successful-test/Source snippet
Navy TimesUS Navy hits drone with HELIOS laser in successful test4 Feb 2025 — The US Navy successfully tested its High-Energy Laser with...
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Source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Title: american warship downs drones with laser weapon
Link: https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/american-warship-downs-drones-with-laser-weapon/Source snippet
UK Defence JournalAmerican warship downs drones with laser weapon3 Feb 2026 — HELIOS is a roughly 60-kilowatt class laser integrated dire...
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Source: lockheedmartin.com
Title: more than a laser helios is an integrated weapon system
Link: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/news/features/2021/more-than-a-laser-helios-is-an-integrated-weapon-system.htmlSource snippet
Lockheed MartinMore Than a Laser, HELIOS is an Integrated Weapon System9 Jan 2021 — The High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler...
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Source: nationaldefensemagazine.org
Title: Air defense is the job of the guided missile cruisers and destroyers.Read more
Link: https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2022/10/19/navy-destroyer-adds-helios-laser-to-arsenalSource snippet
National Defense MagazineNavy Destroyer Adds HELIOS Laser to Arsenal (UPDATED)Oct 19, 2022 — The system — which can blast more than 60 ki...
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Source: defensedaily.com
Title: navy usmc
Link: https://www.defensedaily.com/helios-shipboard-laser-system-successfully-tested-in-counter-uas-uses/navy-usmc/Source snippet
HELIOS Shipboard Laser System Successfully Tested In...29 Jan 2026 — HELIOS shipboard laser system was successfully tested at sea agains...
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Source: twz.com
Title: [uss preble]({{ ‘preble-test-2ed0d5/’ | relative_url }}) used helios laser to zap four drones in expanding testing
Link: https://www.twz.com/sea/uss-preble-used-helios-laser-to-zap-four-drones-in-expanding-testingSource snippet
The War ZoneUSS Preble Used HELIOS Laser To Zap Four Drones In...Feb 2, 2026 — Laser directed energy weapons like HELIOS offer functiona...
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Source: twz.com
Link: https://www.twz.com/sea/these-are-the-american-destroyers-actually-equipped-with-laser-weaponsSource snippet
The War ZoneThese American Destroyers Are Equipped With Laser...8 days ago — The far more powerful but less numerous HELIOS system, inte...
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Link: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/capabilities/directed-energy.htmlSource snippet
Directed Energy | Lockheed MartinExperience the potential of our laser weapons and directed energy weapon technologies, providing afforda...
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Source: businessinsider.com
Link: https://www.businessinsider.com/nato-warships-red-sea-prove-deck-guns-fight-drone-war-2025-4Source snippet
This tactic offers a cost-effective alternative to expensive surface-to-air missiles, like the $2 million SM-2. Deck guns, particularly t...
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Source: defensenews.com
Title: what we know about the us militarys new joint laser weapon system
Link: https://www.defensenews.com/newsletters/daily-news-roundup/2026/04/28/what-we-know-about-the-us-militarys-new-joint-laser-weapon-system/Source snippet
What we know about the US military's new joint laser...Apr 27, 2026 — The Army-Navy effort aims to produce a containerized 150-kilowatt...
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Source: twz.com
Link: https://www.twz.com/news-features/containerized-variant-of-navys-drone-swatting-helios-laser-being-pushed-by-congressSource snippet
Containerized Variant Of Navy's Drone-Swatting HELIOS...29 May 2026 — HELIOS is the only laser able to down drones installed on an activ...
Published: May 2026
Additional References
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Link: https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/pentagon-budget-documents-reveal-its-pursuing-containerized-300kw-laser-weapons-ambitious-joint-laser-weapon-system-designed-to-shoot-down-cruise-missiles-system-part-of-usd17-9-billion-golden-dome-missile-defense-initiativeSource snippet
The JLWS is a containerized high-energy laser system intended to neutralize cruise missiles and other advanced threats. Designed to scale...
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Source: euronews.com
Title: what is helios the us laser destroying cheap iranian drones for cents
Link: https://www.euronews.com/2026/03/16/what-is-helios-the-us-laser-destroying-cheap-iranian-drones-for-centsSource snippet
What is HELIOS, the US laser destroying cheap Iranian...16 Mar 2026 — The High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveill...
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Source: marketus.com
Title: us navys helios laser weapon a new era of naval warfare
Link: https://marketus.com/us-navys-helios-laser-weapon-a-new-era-of-naval-warfare/Source snippet
US Navy's Helios Laser Weapon: A New Era of Naval...Mar 9, 2025 — Currently operational on the guided missile destroyer USS Preble, the...
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Link: https://www.facebook.com/unboxfactory/posts/the-us-navy-has-successfully-tested-advanced-laser-weapon-systems-capable-of-des/1024908853193498/Source snippet
s designed to counter drones and small threats using concentrated...Read more...
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Source: laserwars.net
Title: navy helios laser weapon drones testing questions
Link: https://www.laserwars.net/p/navy-helios-laser-weapon-drones-testing-questionsSource snippet
The Lingering Questions About the Navy's Chief...9 Feb 2026 — The US Navy's High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Survei...
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Source: facebook.com
Link: https://www.facebook.com/euronews/posts/the-high-energy-laser-with-integrated-optical-dazzler-and-surveillance-deployed-/1306875301487797/Source snippet
apid response, high precision, and dramatically lower operating...Read more...
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Source: instagram.com
Link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVk89TUDvIy/Source snippet
oming drone proving its ability to neutral aerial threats in real time as...
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Source: laserwars.net
Title: us [navy laser]({{ ‘laser-lineage/’ | relative_url }}) weapon iran operation epic fury
Link: https://www.laserwars.net/p/us-navy-laser-weapon-iran-operation-epic-furySource snippet
The Laser Weapon Quietly Watching Over the US Strikes...Mar 5, 2026 — Developed by the US military starting in 2017 and first installed...
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Link: https://www.facebook.com/KyivPost/posts/a-us-navy-destroyer-shot-down-four-drones-using-a-high-energy-laser-marking-a-ma/1507141331293790/Source snippet
ing down enemy drones and disabling sensors at the speed of light...
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Source: laserwars.net
Title: Last Ride of the HELIOS
Link: https://www.laserwars.net/p/navy-helios-laser-weapon-containerizationSource snippet
by Jared Keller5 days ago — Lawmakers are eyeing a containerized version of the US Navy's 60 kilowatt High Energy Laser with Integrated O...
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