Admiral Caudle Sees Directed Energy As Key To Future Naval Power
The US Navy’s top officer, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle, has expressed support for advancing laser weapons, particularly on the new Trump-class battleships. Caudle believes that the development of laser technology could solve problems not only for shipboard use but also for base protection. The Navy has already begun testing laser systems on destroyers, with the Preble equipped with the HELIOS system and other ships outfitted with the ODIN laser. According to Breaking Defense, the Navy plans to establish a comprehensive directed energy strategy to guide investments and development.