An artist rendering of the HELIOS system. Source: Lockheed MartinLockheed Martin was awarded a laser weapons system contract by the U.S. Navy to develop, manufacture and deliver two high power systems.

The High Energy Laser and Integrated Optical-dazzler with Surveillance (HELIOS) system will bring together laser weapons, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and counter-unmanned aerial system (counter-UAS) capabilities. The program will increase the situational awareness and layered defense options available for the Navy and is planned to be in operation by 2020.

The high-energy laser system will be designed to counter UAS and small boats. The energy and thermal management system will leverage Department of Defense programs and the cooling system will be designed for maximum adaptability onboard ships.

The long-range ISR capability will be part of the integrated weapon system to give decision-makers with maximum access to information. The counter-UAS dazzler capability will be designed to obscure enemy UAS-based ISR capabilities.

One HELIOS system will be delivered for shipboard integration on an Arleight Burke-class destroyer and one unit will be used for land testing at White Sands Missile Range.

The contract is worth $150 million with options worth up to $942.8 million