The US Navy shot down a UAV using an all-electric laser for the first time

The US Navy announced for the first time that it had shot down a target representing a subsonic cruise missile using an all-electric, high-energy laser weapon. Known as Layered Laser Defense (LLD), the system successfully passed the tests carried out in February this year.

‘Laser systems, theoretically unlimited supply of ammunition’

Developed by Lockheed Martin company, LLD neutralized the engine of a red drone in mid-air with a laser beam as part of the High Energy Laser Systems Test at the White Sands Missile Range . The deactivated drone was landed with a parachute. In the tests carried out, the system showed successful results in various threat scenarios such as quadcopter drones, fixed-wing aircraft and subsonic cruise missiles.

LLD, which can be used against unmanned aerial systems and fast attack boats, will also offer tracking and identification capabilities through its high-resolution telescope.

LLD distinguishes itself from earlier chemical-enhanced laser weapons in that it is solid-state and consists of glass optical fiber coils doped with various elements. With its combinable coil structure, the system can combine the produced lasers into a single powerful beam.

Also, laser guns are not dependent on conventional propellants or gunpowder-based ammunition found on ships, making them safer and a theoretically unlimited source of ammunition as long as power is available.

Navy, direct states that they will not use LLD as their primary source, but they want to position the system as a precursor to broader efforts. The US Navy, which has conducted similar tests since the 1980s, says the LLD’s tests were completed with the best ever success rate.