🚨 U.S. Deploys Laser Weapon in Combat

The United States Navy has reportedly used the HELIOS laser weapon system in combat for the first time, according to United States Central Command.
Mounted on a destroyer near Iran, the system shot down drones using directed energy (laser).
Why it matters: • Traditional interceptors cost $3M–$10M per missile
• Cheap drones can cost ~$20K–$30K
• HELIOS fires using electricity, costing only a fraction per shot
If effective at scale, laser defense could dramatically shift the cost balance of modern drone warfare. ⚡