U.S Navy Sailors Receive Operational Training For ODIN Laser Weapon System That Can Blind Drone Sensors

U.S Navy sailors are receiving training to operate and maintain a new laser-based defence system that can blind the sensors of unmanned aerial systems.

The Directed Energy Systems Integration Laboratory (DESIL) in California is the site which is offering courses on the Optical Dazzling Interdictor or ODIN, developed by the Navy to safeguard naval ships from drones and other threats.

A soft-kill weapon, ODIN use a laser beam to interfere with or disable optical equipment like sensors, cameras or targeting devices of enemy drones, preventing them from gathering intelligence or tracking a vessel.

It also offers intelligence and surveillance features, enabling the operators to look farther and capture the footage of enemies in high detail and resolution.

This method of tackling drones is way more cost-effective than employing expensive defence systems and missiles.

ODIN can be operated at a low cost and can continue working as long as there is enough electrical power.

It can target the enemy instantly, but sailors need to be trained properly so they can operate the system and maintain it if needed.

Weapon system instruction for fleet personnel falls under Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC), but DESIL has directed energy subject matter experts, equipment and infrastructure; hence, it was decided to conduct the specific training for this weapon system there.

“Our facility has the SMEs, and subsequently the trainers, and a resident ODIN system,” said Davidson Sim, directed energy sustainment systems engineer.

The directed energy team is also promoting the ODIN-related courses to ships equipped with that system.

They are planning to bring sailors from the USS Preble for this special training as well, since the ship is outfitted with another directed energy weapon, the High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance system, known as HELIOS.