US Navy begins training with laser energy weapons to effectively blind unmanned aerial threats

The U.S. Navy has begun certified ODIN training at the Directed Energy Systems Integration Laboratory in California.

ODIN is a laser-based soft-kill system that dazzles unmanned aerial system sensors to help protect ships from drone surveillance threats.

The training covers operating and maintaining the system, giving sailors hands-on skills for a rapidly deployable defense option.

The Navy says ODIN can improve counter-drone readiness with a low-cost response that does not rely on conventional missiles.