HELIOS

This is coolbert:

The Russians already have such a system.

The Chinese are believed to have one too.

And also now the USA has one.

Dazzle military laser technology. 

Thanks to the tip from Freeper.

"One lucky destroyer crew will officially be the first to rock the Navy's newest laser weapon"

"The Pearl Harbor-based USS Preble will be the first destroyer to be equipped with a high-energy laser to counter surface craft and unmanned aerial systems, according to a published report, with the Navy planning to one day use the powerful light beams to defend against Chinese or Russian cruise missiles. Rear Adm. Ronald Boxall, the Navy's director of surface warfare, told Defense News that the Preble will be outfitted in 2021 with the High Energy Laser and Integrated Optical- dazzler With Surveillance system, or HELIOS"

Initial system onboard the Preble having a capacity to cause visual impairment and disorient the adversary.

BUT WITH A MORE ACTIVE DESTRUCTIVE CAPABILITY IN THE FUTURE?

Read further here and here instances of dazzle technology, ancient and more modern respectively.

Nothing new under the sun and nothing new under the laser either.

coolbert.