Lockheed Martin Tests ADAM Laser System on Boats a Mile Away

Defense contractor Lockheed Martin successfully tested its Area Defense Anti-Munitions (ADAM) laser system by disabling two boats a a range of 1.6 kilometers (approximately 1 mile). Watch the video below to see the ADAM system in action.

According to a press release, the ground-based ADAM laser system is designed to provide defense against short-range threats such as Qassam-like rockets, unmanned aerial systems and small boats. It is capable of burning through the hull of a military-grade small boat in less than 30 seconds.

This isn’t the first test of the powerful ADAM laser system. As the press release notes, Lockheed previously tested its capabilities against airborne targets like small-caliber rockets and UAVs. The system can track moving targets at a range of over 3.1 miles, and its 10-kilowatt laser can engage targets up to 1.2 miles away.

“Our laser weapon initiatives leverage commercial products and processes, focusing on affordability for the user,” said Dr. Ray O. Johnson, Lockheed Martin senior vice president and chief technology officer. “Lockheed Martin continues to invest in advancing fiber laser and beam control technologies, as these successful ADAM tests demonstrate.”