00:00The future of war is upon us. However, while many are worried about the implications of AI and drones
00:05changing the landscape of conflicts the world over, the U.S. Navy is now testing its newest
00:10piece of high-tech weaponry, a laser. This image was recently published by the Navy's Office of
00:15the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation. It shows what they are calling Helios, a high-powered
00:20laser being fired from the USS Preble destroyer warship. They say its purpose is to take down
00:26uncrewed aerial vehicles or UAVs, more commonly called drones. It can also down watercraft and
00:31missiles all by superheating them. Helios stands for High Energy Laser and Integrated Optical
00:36Dazzler and Surveillance, and it was developed by Lockheed Martin. Testing will continue throughout
00:41the year and present a shift in the minute-to-minute fighting of war. The capabilities of Helios are
00:46currently under wraps. However, the UK's Dragonfire laser is able to hit a coin from over half a mile
00:51away, all at light speed. Lasers also have a substantially lower operating cost than traditional
00:57drone and missile defense systems.
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