Amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland demonstrates high-energy laser weapon system in Gulf of Aden

Amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) conducted a high-energy laser weapon system demonstration on 14 December, while operating in the Gulf of Aden. (US Navy)

Amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) conducted a high-energy laser weapon system demonstration on 14 December, while operating in the Gulf of Aden, US Navy (USN) officials confirmed.

During the demonstration, the Solid State Laser – Technology Maturation Laser Weapons System Demonstrator (LWSD) Mark 2 MOD 0 aboard Portland successfully engaged a static surface training target, USN officials said.

Portland tested the LWSD in May 2020 when it successfully disabled a small unmanned aerial system while operating in the Pacific Ocean.

The LWSD is the next-generation follow-on weapon to the Laser Weapon System that afloat forward staging base USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) tested for three years while operating in the Middle East.

The Office of Naval Research opted to outfit Portland with the laser weapon technology for testing in 2018. The USN is trying to develop laser weapons to help protect its fleet against swarms of drones, missiles, and other threats.

The region's geography, climate, and strategic importance offer a unique environment for technology innovation, according to USN officials, who pointed out that the US 5th Fleet's area of operations includes the world's largest standing maritime partnership, the Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, and parts of the Indian Ocean.