The U.S. Navy is set to begin land-based testing of a “a high-energy laser weapon” later this year, continuing a trend towards lasers being used by the branch.
According to USNI News, the Navy is working on its fourth and fifth dazzler systems, while also proceeding with testing on the high-energy laser weapon. Also in the works is the Optical Dazzling Interdictor (ODIN), described by USNI News as “a nonlethal weapon that can confuse instead of shoot down drones.”