The US Navy successfully conducted a high-energy laser weapon system test on December 14, 2021 while the USS Portland (LPD 27) was sailing in the Gulf of Aden. A Solid State Laser, also known as the Technology Maturation Laser Weapons System Demonstrator (LWSD) Mark 2 MOD 0, managed to engage a static surface training target.
This test was conducted in the Gulf of Aden because it sits along the southern coast of war-torn Yemen, which has been in constant war with Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, ever since they seized its capital, Sanaa, back in 2014. The USS Portland, a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, is normally stationed in San Diego.
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One of the best ways that our fleet is going to be able to fight and win is with speed-of-light laser technology types of weapons,” said Vance Brahosky, the deputy technical director of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division.
