U.S. Navy Destroys Drone With Electric Laser For First Time

The United States Navy destroyed a drone with an electric laser for the first time in February of this year. The laser can carry out both lethal and non-lethal attacks to either disable or destroy targets. The laser was shot from the deck of a United States warship during the test and a drone was targeted and destroyed.

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Previous laser weapon tests from the US Military were chemical-based rather than electric. While chemical lasers only supply a finite amount of ammunition, electric lasers never run out of ammunition as long as there is a power source available.

The test was spearheaded by the US Navy and the Lockheed Martin defense contractor. The chief of naval research Rear Admiral Lorin Shelby said, "They present transformational capabilities to the fleet, address diverse threats, and provide precision engagements".

Lockheed Martin said that they expect such laser weapons will be used across the air, land, and sea. Shelby said that the electric laser complements "existing defensive systems and enhances sustained lethality in high-intensity conflict".

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