US Navy nears fielding anti-drone lasers on ships
The US Navy plans to begin fielding a handful of ‘low-power’ lasers on ships this year to test their ability to counter growing threats from hostile UAVs, according to a service official.
The Optical Dazzling Interdictor Navy (ODIN), formerly called the Low Power Module, will probably begin its deployment on the west coast, said RADM Ronald Boxall, director of navy surface warfare, who spoke on 20 March at the Directed Energy Summit in Washington, DC.
The navy’s FY2020 budget request indicates that a total of eight ODIN units will be placed on Arleigh Burke-class destroyers by FY2021. The government-developed
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![From the seas to the web: the changing shape of UK defence in Southeast Asia]()
From the seas to the web: the changing shape of UK defence in Southeast Asia
As his final engagement before leaving his post as the head of the British defence staff for Southeast Asia and defence adviser to Singapore, Brigadier Eddie Maskell-Pedersen spoke with Shephard about maritime security, cyber cooperation and long-term partnerships.
-
![Baltic naval priorities shift towards mine warfare and versatile platforms]()
Baltic naval priorities shift towards mine warfare and versatile platforms
Baltic states are investing in mine warfare, uncrewed systems and multirole platforms as major warship purchases remain scarce, industry sources indicate.
-
![India’s mine countermeasure drive triggers rush of new partnerships]()
India’s mine countermeasure drive triggers rush of new partnerships
Parallel procurement pathways for crewed mine countermeasure vessels and uncrewed systems underline a shift towards next-generation mine warfare for the Indian Navy.
-
![Finland’s naval sector eyes growth opportunities in NATO era]()
Finland’s naval sector eyes growth opportunities in NATO era
Finland’s naval industrial base is expanding as NATO membership, Baltic Sea security concerns and proximity to Russia push shipbuilders and equipment makers to capture new roles.
