The amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland conducts a high-energy laser weapon system demonstration on a static surface training target in the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 14, 2021. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Holbert)
(AP) -- DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The U.S. Navy announced Wednesday it tested a laser weapon and destroyed a floating target in the Mideast, a system that could be used to counter bomb-laden drone boats deployed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.
The test Tuesday saw the USS Portland test-fire its Laser Weapon System Demonstrator at the target in the Gulf of Aden, the body of water separating East Africa from the Arabian Peninsula.
The Navy’s Mideast-based 5th Fleet described the laser as having “successfully engaged” the target in a statement. Previously, the Portland used the laser to bring down a flying drone in May 2020.
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