The undated image shows the U.S. Navy testing a weapon system known as HELIOS from the USS Preble destroyer in the middle of the ocean.

The HELIOS system, developed by Lockheed Martin, uses more than 60 kilowatts of directed energy—enough to power 60 homes. The laser can destroy targets up to five miles away and operate without running out of power, as it draws its energy from the ship's constantly replenishing source.

In the vast expanse of the ocean, a streak of white light pierces the sky. It’s not a natural phenomenon, but a weapon — a high-energy laser fired from the deck of a U.S. Navy destroyer. This is HELIOS,