US Navy releases photo of Minnesota nuclear attack submarine equipped with combat laser.

Photo of the US Navy accidentally revealed a combat laser on a Minnesota nuclear attack submarine. If We look closely, it seems to be a B. E. Meyers Glare LA-9 / P non-lethal combat laser used to temporarily blind an enemy.
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Sailors assigned to the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783) stand topside as they pull into their homeport at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Dec 20, 2019, following a deployment. (Picture source: Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Hoskins)

If a swimmer or vessel tries to approach a ship with an unknown target, a warning flash is sent in its direction, understandable without an interpreter. At the same time, Glare is a humane weapon.

The built-in laser rangefinder determines the distance to the target and shuts off radiation if there is a risk of damage to the retina. As soon as the target leaves the danger zone, the laser resumes.

The handheld dazzler is capable of sending light signals 4 kilometers at night and 1.5 kilometers during the day. In the meantime, the US Navy deployed a much more powerful stationary laser on one of the frigates, designed for the same purpose. It is called ODIN.

The Glare LA-9/P is classified as an ultra high-powered ocular interruption device (OID) that sends a piercing green beam to innocent bystanders, friendly troops and enemy combatants from a distance. It’s ruggedized for field use and can be integrated into your favorite weapons for stability. When activated, it fires a 250-milliwatt beam that’s non-lethal but should be enough to cause a temporary difficulty in vision.