Watch: America’s latest ship-based laser weapon
The US Navy shows off its experimental new 30-kilowatt laser. Officials say it is capable of destroying with pin-point accuracy targets on speeding boats or even aircraft.
The US Navy tested the experimental laser weapon on one of its naval bases in the Persian Gulf. The 30 kilowatt system was installed aboard USS Ponce this summer as part of a $40m research project.
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In this video of the demonstration, the device is shown targeting a mounted missile on a speeding boat.
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Next it dazzles, then destroys, an unmanned aerial drone in mid-flight.
The Pentagon insists this is not just a scientific test for show – the laser device is fully operational and ready to be deployed if needed.