Even though some people are skeptical that laser weapons would be effective against cruise missiles they now have options to defend themselves. They have high-energy lasers or laser cannons. 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 developing laser weapons for ships. Lockheed Martin developed the High Energy Laser and Integrated Optical–Dazzler & Surveillance System (HELIOS), one of the most powerful. It will emit a 60-kilowatt beam which can blow up cruise missiles from mid-air. The weapon will feature a deep mag and high-speed, light delivery. The Navy is currently integrating the weapon aboard the DDG 51 Flight III, next-generation destroyers. It will also be installed on Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
Advanced power technologies are required for high-energy laser system. They are susceptible to corrosion and atmospheric turbulence, which can cause malfunctions in the laser's performance. The laser generates heat as the beam power grows. A massive laser-class of megawatts will need a host ship to store it. The laser should be placed on a nuclear fueled aircraft carrier. A ship equipped with an electrical drive propulsion system is another option.
The Navy is developing a laser weapon that can counter anti-ship missiles. The Naval Surface Warfare Center's Dahlgren Division created the Optical dazzling interdictor Navy (LaWS). 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.
Laser weapons that are capable of countering antiship cruise missiles require a lot power. It will need to resist the loss of energy as the beam needs to be focused on a single missile. It will need to be capable of withstanding atmospheric turbulence.
Navy scientists and engineers have begun building the Navy Laser Family of Systems. It is hoped that it will be possible to field a super-powerful laser by 2025. The Department of Defense is also working on a laser tech maturation program that could lead to 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 also develop a laser weapon that can be used on aircraft carriers.
Current experiments by the US Navy with lasers onboard the amphibious USS Ponce are being conducted by the Navy. This vessel was converted in September 2017 into an Afloat Forward Staging Basis in the Persian Gulf. Its beam measures a dime-circle. It was made to be used against small target boats and drones. It was scheduled to go into operation in December 2014. In addition to the SNLWS, the Navy is also developing laser weapons to counter 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.