Lockheed Martin will modernise its most powerful HELSI laser weapon and increase power from 300kW to 500kW

Lockheed Martin plans to modernise its HELSI laser weapon. The company is preparing to make it more lethal by increasing its power by 66%.

Here's What We Know

HELSI is an acronym for High Energy Laser Scaling Initiative. Last September, Lockheed Martin officially announced the transfer of its most powerful laser weapon to the US Department of Defence and announced the delivery of an IFPC-HEL demonstration unit.

The advantages of the laser weapon are low cost per shot and reduced indirect damage during firing and when hitting a target. The HELSI has a power of 300 kW, which is six times the power of the HELIOS laser. It was last year installed on the USS Preble.

Lockheed Martin recently announced on its official website plans to upgrade the HELSI's power from the current 300 kW to 500 kW. The upgrade will increase the efficiency and quality of the laser, as well as reduce the risks associated with the new technology.

Source: Lockheed Martin