USS Ponce Equipped with Laser Weapon in Persian Gulf Waters

The USS Ponce of the U.S. Navy has been equipped with a laser weapon. After a year of testing, this is the first time a weapon capable of laser firing has been able to function as an active defensive weapon. According to Reuters, Matthew Klunder, the commander of U.S. Navy research, stated that this $40 million weapon is the first in history to operate with direct energy capability. Currently, this weapon operates at a power of 30 kilowatts. In a released test video, it has been shown that this weapon can accurately and effectively target drones or small fast boats. In another test case in this video, the weapon can target and destroy a grenade launcher mounted on a fast boat. The USS Ponce is the first American ship equipped with this weapon and has set out on a mission in the waters of the Persian Gulf. The New York Times also reported that this laser weapon is set to be installed on U.S. vessels weighing 50 tons and above starting next year. The laser projectile of this weapon, which moves at the speed of light, can target fast boats and patrols, identify, blind, and ultimately destroy drones. According to reports, each shot from this weapon costs less than one dollar. This weapon can also fire as long as it is connected to power and does not face the issue of running out of ammunition. The U.S. Navy Research Center has released a video demonstrating the tracking and hitting capabilities of the laser weapon.