Solid-State Laser Ready for Deployment

The US Navy is looking to place a high power solid state laser abroad selected naval vessels in the nest 12-18 months. (paid subscription required)

It appears that they will be using Northrop Grumman's JHPSSL (Joint High Power Solid-State Laser), which uses 15kw blocks that can be ganged together to create a more powerful beam, as a basis for the weapon, and its intended target is small boats.

As to how viable the system is, if the Navy deploys it to the waters off Somalia's coast to fight pirates, then they think that it can be made to work under combat conditions, if not then there is a lack of confidence in the system.