See VIDEO: US Navy shows off its new laser gun by blowing up boats

The US Navy has released a video of its new laser weapon system showing it being deployed aboard USS Ponce in September in the Persian Gulf.

15:50 11 December 2014

The US Navy has unveiled a new laser gun weapon via a video showing a speedboat exploding under its force. The footage also showed a test aircraft being taken out in mid-air by the weapon.

The military added that the laser weapon, which was tested earlier this year, was a success.

Rear Adm. Matthew L. Klunder, chief of naval research, said in a statement on Wednesday that the “powerful” LaWS system will “play a vital role in the future of naval combat operations.”

The prototype weapon shown in the video cost about $40 million and is said to have the ability to destroy targets with “near-instantaneous lethality.”

Meanwhile, Navy officials have confirmed that the laser, which was installed on the USS Ponce over the summer, has been in development for years.

Klunder also said that Pentagon took its time to approve the rules of engagement necessary to use the gun. However, he added that the USS Ponce is allowed to use it against a real threat should situation calls for it.