US Navy Successfully Tests Laser Weapon... "Capable of Destroying Aircraft in Flight"

U.S. Navy Successfully Conducts High-Power Laser Weapon Firing Test [Provided by U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] CNN reported on the 22nd (local time) that the U.S. Navy announced it successfully conducted a test firing of a high-power laser weapon capable of destroying aircraft in flight.

The Navy explained in a statement, "We have tested the high-power solid-state laser for the first time, which can render drones or aircraft useless."

The Navy provided photos of the amphibious assault ship USS Portland, which fired the laser, and videos showing drones being destroyed.

However, the Navy only revealed that the test took place in the Pacific on the 16th and did not disclose the specific location.

The laser's output was not disclosed either, but according to a 2018 report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), it is known to be around 150 kW.