The High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) has recently been deployed on a US naval ship, demonstrating its capacity to engage and destroy low-cost Iranian drones.
This system operates by utilizing directed energy to target aerial threats, offering a cost-effective solution compared to traditional missile systems. Each engagement reportedly costs mere cents.
The deployment of HELIOS marks a strategic enhancement in naval defense, potentially altering the dynamics of aerial warfare and drone engagement in contested environments.