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The US Navy successfully deployed and operated, for the first time, a cutting-edge ship-based laser weapon system aboard a naval vessel in the Persian Gulf that will enhance both surface, air and ground capabilities, the Office of Naval Research (ONR) announced, according to Sputnik.

"Researchers say the revolutionary technology breakthroughs, demonstrated by LaWS [Laser Weapon System], will ultimately benefit not only US Navy surface ships, but also airborne and ground-based weapon systems," the ONR said in a press release Wednesday.

The system, operated by a video-game like controller, hit a range of moving targets, spanning from small boats to unmanned drones during demonstrations in September and November in the Persian Gulf, where it exhibited lethal precision and speed, the ONR said.

"Laser weapons are powerful, affordable and will play a vital role in the future of naval combat operations," Chief of naval research, Rear Adm. Matthew L. Klunder, stated. "We ran this particular weapon, a prototype, through some extremely tough paces, and it locked on and destroyed the targets we designated with near-instantaneous lethality."