Navy Laser Weapon Can Hit Missiles at Speed of Light

The U.S. Navy already has deployed lasers that can take out land- and air-based targets, and is developing second-generation weapons to hit missiles at the speed of light, CNN reported.

The LaWS, or Laser Weapons System, is being used onboard the USS Ponce amphibious transport ship and can take down a drone aircraft like the ones heavily used by Iran, North Korea, China, Russia and others.

"It is more precise than a bullet," Captain Christopher Wells told CNN. "It's not a niche weapon system like some other weapons that we have throughout the military where it's only good against air contacts, or it's only good against surface targets, or it's only good against, you know, ground-based targets — in this case this is a very versatile weapon, it can be used against a variety of targets."

The laser beam is invisible to the human eye, makes no sound, and travels at the speed of light, making it unnecessary to lead its target.

"It really is a point and shoot," said Lt. Cale Hughes. "We see it, we focus on it, and we can negate that target."

That precision also cuts down collateral damage.

And it is extremely cost effective. The $40 million system has a three-person crew and runs off its own electrical generator. It needs no ammunition and costs "about a dollar a shot," Hughes said as opposed to $1 million per Tomahawk cruise missile.

The Navy next has its laser sights set on shooting down missiles, but, CNN reported, those missions remain classified.