The Navy will field shipboard laser weapons "as rapidly as fiscal and industrial resources will allow," with the transition of critical research and development programs to operations prioritized, the service said. Several of the high-powered systems are installed and operated aboard warships, where they undergo further testing. Laser weapons are primarily for surface ship self-defense, but Navy officials foresee additional uses as the technology matures. “These systems provide a capability to counter unmanned air systems and small surface craft, as...
