The Navy's surface ships are now able to defend themselves, despite some doubts about the effectiveness of laser weapons against cruise missiles. They are equipped with laser cannons, or high-energy lasers. These weapons are capable of knocking out cruise missiles from mid-air or destroying them if they strike the ship directly. There are other uses for lasers, including countering UAVs.
Navy scientists are developing a range of laser weapons for ships. Lockheed Martin developed the High Energy Laser and Integrated Optical–Dazzler & Surveillance System (HELIOS), one of the most powerful. This system will boast a 60 kilowatt beam and can be used to destroy cruise missiles while in mid-air. The weapon will also feature a deep magazine and high-speed light delivery. The Navy plans to integrate the weapon on its DDG 51 Flight III next-generation destroyers. It will also be fitted to Arleigh Burke-class destroyers
Advanced power technologies are needed for high-energy systems. They are susceptible to corrosion and atmospheric turbulence, which can cause malfunctions in the laser's performance. As the beam power increases, the laser generates heat. A huge host ship is required to house a megawatt-class Laser. Ideally, the laser will be placed on a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. You can also choose a ship that has an electric drive propulsion system.
In addition to the High Energy Laser weapon, the Navy is currently working on a Laser Weapon that can be used against anti-ship cruise rockets. The Naval Surface Warfare Center's Dahlgren Division has developed the Optical dazzling interdictor Navy. This weapon will also be used at a new Middle East floating staging base. This laser can also be used on Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
To counter cruise missiles, a laser weapon will require lots of power. It will also have to resist loss of power, as the laser beam will need only focus on one target on the missile. It will need to be capable of withstanding atmospheric turbulence.
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 working on a laser tech maturation program that could lead to a 1-megawatt laser. This would allow the weapon to fit on ships, but will limit its power to one thing at a time. The Navy is also working to create a more powerful laser weapon for aircraft carriers.
The US Navy is currently trying lasers aboard its amphibious ship USS Ponce. This vessel was converted into an Afloat Forward Staging Base in the Persian Gulf until September of 2017. Its beam is a dime circle and was built to fight drones and target boats. It was due to be operational by December 2014. Along with the SNLWS and laser weapons, the Navy is working on counter UAVs. It is collaborating with British industry on the Advanced Electric Power and Propulsion Project Arrangement. This will allow for future energy storage possibilities for naval laser weapons.