The US Center for Countermeasures (CCM) played a key role in supporting the US Navy’s demonstration aboard the USS Preble (DDG 88) Arleigh Burke destroyer, in which the High Energy Laser with Optical Stun and Tracking (HELIOS) was tested against its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Targeting and Operations System (UAV).
This critical event, documented in the Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report published by the Directorate, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) in January 2025, marks a significant step in the transition of directed energy laser weapon systems from development platforms to fully integrated naval weapons.
During the test, the U.S. Center for Countermeasures (CCM) collected high-resolution composite imagery to support a comprehensive performance analysis, highlighting the strategic importance of HELIOS in improving the Navy’s ability to counter emerging air threats at sea.
The successful deployment of the 60-kilowatt Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) laser weapon system aboard USS Preble marks a transformative moment in naval warfare as the U.S. Navy continues its transition to integrating directed energy technologies to counter evolving threats.