Even though some people are skeptical that laser weapons would be effective against cruise missiles they now have options to defend themselves. These ships can be equipped with laser cannons or high-energy beam lasers. These weapons can either knock out cruise missiles mid-air or destroy them if directed at the ship. Lasers also have other uses, such as countering UAVs.
Navy scientists are currently working on several laser weapons for ship. Lockheed Martin's High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) is one of the most powerful. It will produce a 60 kilowatt beam that can destroy cruise missiles mid-air. The weapon will include a deep magazine, high-speed light distribution and a high-speed light source. The Navy is currently integrating the weapon aboard the DDG 51 Flight III, next-generation destroyers. It will also be fitted to Arleigh Burke-class destroyers
High-energy laser systems need advanced power technologies. They are susceptible to contamination and corrosion, as well as atmospheric turbulence that can degrade the laser's performance. The laser generates heat as the beam power grows. A large ship will be required to house a laser of this power. The laser should be placed on a nuclear fueled aircraft carrier. Other options include a ship with an electric drive propulsion system.
The Navy is developing a laser weapon that can counter anti-ship missiles. The Naval Surface Warfare Center's Dahlgren Division was responsible for the development of the Optical dazzling interdictor Navy. This weapon will be used at a new Middle East afloat staging station. The laser can also be used to destroy Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
Laser weapons that are capable of countering antiship cruise missiles require a lot power. It must also resist energy loss, since the beam of light will only be focused at one missile. It must also be capable of surviving atmospheric turbulence, which can occur in response to changes in atmospheric conditions.
Navy scientists and engineers are working to build the Navy Laser Family of Systems. By 2025, they hope to be able field a megawatt class laser. The Department of Defense is also developing a laser technology maturation program that could result in a 1-megawatt laser. This would enable the weapon to be carried on ships, but it will restrict its power to just one thing at once. The Navy will develop a larger-scaled laser weapon for aircraft carrier carriers.
Current experiments by the US Navy with lasers onboard the amphibious USS Ponce are being conducted by the Navy. This vessel was transformed into an Afloat Fortification Base in the Persian Gulf, from September 2017 to September 2017. The ship's beam is a dime-circle, and it was designed to be used against flimsy target boats and drones. It was slated to be operational in December of 2014. It is not only developing the SNLWS but also laser weapons to combat UAVs. It is working with British industry to develop the Advanced Electric Power and Propulsion Project Arrangement, which will explore future energy storage options for naval laser weapons.