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.

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. (Tribune News Service) — A new photo from the United States military shows the successful use of a laser weapon made to destroy drones. The U.S. Center for Countermeasures’ released the photo of the USS Preble using the laser weapon, referred to as “HELIOS” in its annual report.

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,