The Navy has a laser attack weapon that has been shown in tests to disable patrol boats and blind or destroy surveillance drones. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/09/world/navy-deploying-laser-weapon-prototype-in-persian-gulf.html?hp&_r=0 A prototype shipboard laser will be deployed on a converted amphibious transport and docking ship in the Persian Gulf. The laser is designed to carry out a graduated scale of missions, from burning through a fast-attack boat or a drone to producing a nonlethal burst to “dazzle” an adversary’s sensors and render them useless. The laser prototype cost just under $32 million, officials said. But if the weapon proves itself during its sea trials, and the order is given to buy the laser system for service across the fleet, the price per unit is expected to drop.

[ category news]