California: The US Navy tested a high-energy laser weapon system, capable of rendering the enemy radar sensors useless and destroying fighter jets. The laser weapon system mounted aboard the USS Portland, successfully intercepted and disabled an aerial drone aircraft. The warship, deployed at the Pearl Harbor, executed the tests. The US tests that come amid high tensions in the Indo-Pacific assume much significance.
The US Navy released a new video a few hours ago. The video shows the Laser Weapon System Demonstrator (LWSD) successfully intercepting an aerial drone aircraft flying over the Indo-Pacific waters. Capt. Karrey Sanders, commanding officer of Portland, said in a statement, ‘The LWSD, which can intercept not only drones but also destroyers, will substantially boost the capabilities of the US Navy.’ The Northrop Grumman Corporation has developed the LWSD. Also, the system was mounted aboard the USS Portland last year and tested on Friday.
Previously, the US Navy had a 30-kilowatt laser weapon system (LaWS) operational aboard its warships. The system was capable of shooting down a drone although the 150-kilowatt-class LWSD can also intercept warplanes. In addition to the LWSD, the US Navy is also developing another laser weapon system called HELIOS, which could be mounted aboard the US destroyers. The destroyers and warships from the US Navy would, therefore, be equipped with laser weapon systems in the near future.
Meanwhile, the US has stepped up its deployment in the Indo-Pacific for the last few days. The US naval officers have openly stated that the deployment was made to curb the rising Chinese influence in the region. Under such circumstances, by testing the high-energy laser weapon system with a warship presently located at the Pearl Harbor, the US appears to have sent a message across to China.
Click below to express your thoughts and views on this news:
 |
https://twitter.com/WW3Info |
 |
https://www.facebook.com/WW3Info |
