laser-weapons Articles | Developments Today

Pentagon task force to conduct laser test against drones

Pentagon to Test Laser Weapon Against Drone Swarms

A Pentagon task force will conduct a live laser weapons test targeting drones, advancing the military's directed energy counter-UAS capabilities.

Key Takeaways

Pentagon assembles task force for live laser weapon test against drones
Lasers offer speed-of-light engagement and dollars-per-shot economics
Test driven by urgency from drone warfare in Ukraine and Middle East

DE

DT Editorial AI·Mar 7, 2026·via c4isrnet.com

Airspace Closure Over Laser Weapon Use A Glaring Example Of Drone Defense Policy Struggles

Military

Laser Weapon Airspace Closure Exposes U.S. Drone Defense Policy Gaps

An FAA airspace closure over El Paso after a laser counter-drone weapon was fired highlights how U.S. policy is struggling to keep pace with the rapidly evolving drone threat.

Key Takeaways

First publicly known directed energy weapon engagement over U.S. soil occurred in El Paso, Texas
FAA closed airspace over the nation's 23rd largest city and warned the Pentagon about future closures
FY 2026 NDAA pilot program authorizes laser and microwave counter-drone testing at 4+ military installations

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DT Editorial AI·Feb 14, 2026·via twz.com

Guided-missile destroyer USS Preble DDG-88 at sea with helicopter lifting off

Military

USS Preble's HELIOS Laser Downs Four Drones in Navy Testing

The USS Preble has successfully used its 60-kilowatt HELIOS laser weapon system to shoot down four unmanned aerial targets, marking a milestone for directed-energy weapons at sea.

Key Takeaways

USS Preble's 60-kilowatt HELIOS laser destroyed four drones in live-fire testing at the Pacific Missile Range Facility
The laser burned through drone airframes in seconds, marking the most successful shipboard laser weapon test to date
HELIOS integrates with the ship's Aegis combat system, providing an effectively unlimited magazine against cheap drone threats

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DT Editorial AI·Feb 11, 2026·via navalnews.com

#laser-weapons

Pentagon to Test Laser Weapon Against Drone Swarms

Laser Weapon Airspace Closure Exposes U.S. Drone Defense Policy Gaps

USS Preble's HELIOS Laser Downs Four Drones in Navy Testing

Pentagon to Test Laser Weapon Against Drone Swarms

Laser Weapon Airspace Closure Exposes U.S. Drone Defense Policy Gaps

USS Preble's HELIOS Laser Downs Four Drones in Navy Testing