The US Department of Defense deployed 60‑kilowatt laser systems along the southern edge of the Strait of Hormuz on May 28, 2026, targeting hostile drones with precision energy beams. Major General Daniel Hayes confirmed the move, citing the system’s ability to neutralise threats at a fraction of missile costs.
Boeing’s Compact Laser Weapon System (CLWS) can focus a 60‑kilowatt beam, heating targets to ignition without physical interceptors, reducing logistical footprints and resupply demands. Mark Neice, president of Directed Energy Consultants, explained that the lasers draw power from onboard generators, converting it into focused photons that vaporise drone casings.
Soldiers operate the lasers with reconfigured Xbox One controllers, a decision praised by Jared Keller of Laser Wars for its intuitive ergonomics. Keller noted, "If you’re familiar with a Spartan laser in Halo, you can fire the real one with a standard controller." The choice cuts training time and leverages existing gaming hardware.
Defense analyst Brent Ziarnick warned that while the technology offers defensive advantages, the heavy, ship‑mounted platforms may reveal positions and require clear skies for optimal performance. The $500‑million program also signals a shift toward energy‑based deterrence as the US eyes future deployments beyond the Middle East.