The US Navy has demonstrated the power of its cutting-edge HELIOS laser weapon aboard an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer during an undated sea trial. In a striking new photo featured in the Pentagon’s annual Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) report, the USS Preble was seen firing the high-energy weapon at an unidentified target. It was later revealed that the laser was targeting a surrogate drone, validating its performance and capabilities in a real-world operational environment. While the location and exact date remain classified, the report confirms that the demonstration took place sometime during fiscal year 2024. The recent test represents...