The Israeli-American war with Iran seems to be dragging on. Because even after losing its Supreme Leader, Iran has neither bowed down nor appears to be in a mood to make any kind of compromise. Even if America and Israel claim the destruction of Iran, Iran alone has directly messed with the Gulf countries and there is an open war going on with Israel and America. It has been claimed in many media reports that America can use its laser weapon against Iran.
Now the question is how many laser weapons does America have? Which ones are they and how are they a security shield for America and a threat to the enemy? How many challenges are there before them?
America’s laser weapons
America has made many types of laser weapons. Their exact number is not in the public domain. Because countries keep many projects related to defense and security secret, America has also done the same. Still some things are clear. Dozens of test systems for laser weapons have been made. Some have reached the operational level. These are not war-changing levels yet, but they are significant and moving forward rapidly. Helios system is mentioned in media reports. Which shows that now lasers are not just being used in the lab but are also being used in real operations.
Which laser weapons does America have?
- Navy’s high-energy laser HELIOS: Its full name is High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS). It is deployed on destroyer ships of the US Navy. It can bring down drones. Can damage small boats. Can also weaken some missiles. It depends on range and power. It also has sensor and monitoring capabilities. America can use it against Iranian drones and missiles. Even if it has not been clearly confirmed officially.
The Navy’s high-energy laser HELIOS.
- Laser Weapon System: This was the US Navy’s first famous laser weapon. It was installed on a ship as a test. Its power was said to be around 30 kilowatts. It could kill small drones. Could destroy or disable small boats. It also had the ability to blind the camera or sensor. Its next and advanced version is HELIOS, which is more deadly.
US Navy’s Laser Weapon System.
- Optical Dazzling Interdictor: This is also an important part of the navy. Its work is mostly of blinding i.e. its primary responsibility is to surprise or switch off the cameras and sensors of the enemy drone. This is a soft kill system. Instead of bringing down the drone, it takes away its eyes.
Optical dazzling indicator.
- Army DE M-SHORAD: Its full name is Directed Energy Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense. This is a vehicle-based laser system of the US Army. It has been installed on the Stryker armored vehicle. Its job is to kill lowflying drones. It is also its responsibility to drop rockets, mortars and artillery shells. It is mobile, that is, it can go on mobile operations with the army.
High Energy Laser Weapon System.
- High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS): This is a laser system to stop drones. It can be fitted into a truck, tactical vehicle or container. Both Air Force and Army have tested such systems. Their job is to protect the base or forward post from drones and to respond immediately to minor threats from the air. America has also deployed some of these systems on bases in areas like the Middle East, where the risk of drone attacks is high.
Why are these laser weapons so special?
Their cost per shot is very low. The cost of firing a missile can be millions of dollars. The cost of a shot in laser is very low. All that is needed is electricity, which is easily available from the ship’s engine or generator. This also means that the problem of spending expensive missiles on cheap drones is reduced. This is a cost-effective option against dozens of drones simultaneously. They are capable of attacking at the speed of light. Meaning, see the target, aim, turn on the beam and the effect is visible immediately. Capable of reacting quickly to rapidly approaching drones or rockets.
The number of missiles is limited but as long as the laser has power, you can keep attacking or counter-attacking. No physical missile stock replenishment required. Lasers are capable of stealthy and fast work. There is no sound. Many times it is not even visible. Does not give signature in radar or infrared like a missile. Due to this, the enemy does not always understand why his drone suddenly falls. Pinning down the exact cause may be difficult.
The laser beam can be focused into a very thin line. If necessary, only the sensor or camera can be burnt or the entire drone and warhead can be destroyed by heating. Less collateral damage is possible than this. Drone defense is beneficial in crowded areas.
DIRECTED ENERGY LASER WEAPON FIRED AT SEA – NAVY UNVEILS SECRET HELIOS SYSTEM
The US Navy just released footage of the USS Preble unleashing its classified directed energy laser weapon, Helios.
This changes everything.pic.twitter.com/AgreF7RrQn
— HustleBitch (@HustleBitch_) July 15, 2025
Limitations and challenges are no less
No matter how special these weapons are, there are some big problems with them. Weather problems, fog, rain, dust, smoke, all these weaken the laser beam. The effect decreases over longer distances. Power is required. A lot of electricity is required to run a 100 kilowatt laser. It is possible on a ship or a big vehicle, but it is difficult on a small platform. The laser system itself gets very hot. Keeping it cool is also a big engineering challenge. Right now the range is very limited. Most of today’s lasers are good for drones, small boats or even rockets. Testing will have to be increased against fast, tough and thick bodied missiles.
What is the role of laser in Operation Epic Fury?
According to reports, America and its allies are using high-tech systems against Iranian drones and missiles. This includes satellite surveillance, cyber attacks, laser technology etc. The appearance of HELIOS on a US Navy destroyer indicates that it is designed to intercept drones and other aerial threats. Lasers are now becoming part of real operations. Also the US Space Force is providing real-time data. US Cyber Command already tries to hit the enemy’s communication and sensor networks. Meaning, Lazer is not playing the game alone. It’s part of a package. Satellite, cyber, missile defense, all are working together.
More powerful laser weapons may be seen in the future
America is building even bigger power ship lasers which can be seen in the coming years. The goal is to reach 150,300 kW and later on, megawatt class laser. Such lasers can also become a threat to cruise missiles and ballistic missiles in future. If technology and power management become that strong.
In this way it can be said that America has many types of laser weapons. These weapons are special because they are cheap. Are fast. Can give unlimited shots. In the era of drones and small missiles, they are becoming very important. But challenges like weather, power and range still remain. Their true potential will be visible in the coming years.
Also read: Shia-Sunni dispute or competition of power… What is the enmity between Saudi-Iran?