US military debuts laser weapon capable of melting missiles and drones

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The US defence force has trialled for the first time a laser gun as quick as the speed of light, capable of disabling missiles, unmanned aircraft or any other aerial threat.

The weapon, called HELIOS, was tested from the American warship USS Arleigh Burke, and footage of the entire test has been released.

This game-changer of a weapon has several unique features, including a visual disorienter which is intended to disrupt espionage and surveillance units.

HELIOS uses a high-energy 60 kw laser that's cranked up to travel at the speed of light straight at the target. Its goal is to neutralise or knock out the target by melting or overheating it.

The CCM FY2024 Annual Report states: "CCM backed the Navy's demo on the USS Preble (DDG 88) to check if the HEL with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance system (HELIOS) could work properly, carry out its job well, and do what it's supposed to against an unmanned aerial vehicle target."

It adds: "CCM recorded imagery of the incidents to assist in the assessment of system performance."

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