Nine US Navy destroyers that carry laser weapons for drone defense

The U.S. Navy now has nine destroyers fitted with laser-based systems for drone and other low-cost air threat defense.

USS Preble leads the fleet with HELIOS, while several Arleigh Burke-class destroyers carry ODIN laser-dazzling systems.

The Navy is expanding directed-energy defenses after drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea and Middle East.

Lasers offer a cheaper way to defend ships and help conserve missile inventory during prolonged operations.