The U.S. Navy has begun deploying anti-drone laser systems on warships that are operated with Xbox-style controllers, according to Tom's Hardware. The familiar gamepad layout reportedly delivers targeting precision and quick user input, and sailors already know the basic controls from consumer gaming, which shortens training time.
The systems have reportedly been used against drones and other threats in the Strait of Hormuz, making this one of the first known deployments of an anti-drone laser in an active conflict area. The report notes that the weapon follows earlier testing on the USS George H.W. Bush, and that the Royal Navy is also installing a similar system on its destroyers, with operations expected next year.
Using a commercial-style controller for critical equipment is not without precedent: the Titan submersible used a Logitech game controller as its interface. The military appeal of lasers is mainly cost—one engagement is estimated to use around $13 of electricity, compared with anti-aircraft missiles that can cost anywhere from thousands to millions of dollars. As long as a ship has electrical power, a laser can keep defending against drones after missile and ammunition supplies run out.}json no? Wait, the final output should be strict JSON. I accidentally included backticks? Let's correct. Need output only JSON. The assistant final currently includes json ...``` which is not strict JSON if parsed? Need fix. Also there is a stray