While some are skeptical about laser weapons being effective against cruise-missiles, the Navy surface ships now have defenses. These ships can be equipped with laser cannons or high-energy beam lasers. These weapons can either knock out cruise missiles mid-air or destroy them if directed at the ship. Lasers also have other uses, such as countering UAVs.
Navy scientists are creating a variety laser weapons that can be used on ships. Lockheed Martin has developed one of the strongest laser weapons, the High Energy Laser With Integrated Optical–Dazzler And Surveillance system. It will produce a 60 kilowatt beam that can destroy cruise missiles mid-air. The weapon will also feature a deep magazine and high-speed light delivery. The Navy will integrate the weapon onto the DDG 51 Flight III next generation destroyers. These are currently in production. It will also appear on Arleigh Burke-class ships.
High-energy laser systems need advanced power technologies. They are vulnerable to corrosion and contamination, as well as atmospheric turbulentence that could cause laser performance to be affected. The laser generates heat as the beam power grows. To house a megawatt-class laser, it will require a large host ship. The laser should be installed on a nuclear powered aircraft carrier. Another option is a ship equipped with an electric drive propulsion.
The Navy is also developing a laser weapon capable of countering anti-ship Cruise missiles. The Naval Surface Warfare Center's Dahlgren Division developed the Optical dazzling interdictor Navy (LaWS). This weapon will be used on a new afloat staging base in the Middle East. The laser can also be used to destroy Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
To counter cruise missiles, a laser weapon will require lots of power. It will also have to resist loss of power, as the laser beam will need only focus on one target on the missile. It will need to be able resist atmospheric turbulence which can happen when atmospheric conditions change.
Navy engineers and scientists are working on the Navy Laser Family of Systems. The goal is to produce a laser capable of producing megawatts by 2025. The Department of Defense is also developing a laser technology maturation program that could result in a 1-megawatt laser. This would allow it to fit on ships, however it will limit its power only to one thing at the time. The Navy is also working to create a more powerful laser weapon for aircraft carriers.
The US Navy is currently trying lasers aboard its amphibious ship USS Ponce. This vessel was converted in September 2017 into an Afloat Forward Staging Basis in the Persian Gulf. The beam of the ship is a dime-circle and was intended to be used against drones and weak target boats. It was set to go operational in December 2014. Along with the SNLWS and laser weapons, the Navy is working on counter UAVs. It is working with British industry to develop the Advanced Electric Power and Propulsion Project Arrangement, which will explore future energy storage options for naval laser weapons.