
The Navy is planning to install the High Energy Laser and Integrated Optical-dazzler with Surveillance (HELIOS) directed energy (DE) system on a DDG-51 Flight IIA destroyer by FY 2021 as it learns how to integrate laser weapons on its ships, a top official said Wednesday. Rear Adm. Ron Boxall, director of Navy Surface Warfare, called characterized the Navy’s plans to integrate directed energy weapons as “yes we are going to burn the boats if you will, and move forward with…