OVERVIEW: The ODIN (Optical Dazzling Interdictor Navy) is a U.S. Navy ship-mounted laser dazzler system designed to disable electro-optical and infrared sensors on aerial threats. It provides non-lethal defense against drones and sensor-guided weapons in short-range maritime environments.

DETAILS: ODIN was developed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division and began installation aboard Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in 2020. It is part of the Navy Laser Family of Systems and delivers low-power directed energy to blind or disrupt optical sensors without causing physical destruction. The system is integrated with shipboard tracking and fire control systems to target UAVs, aircraft, or missile optics. Unlike high-energy lasers, ODIN is optimized for sensor degradation rather than hard-kill functions.

FUNCTION: Upon detection, ODIN locks onto incoming threats and projects focused laser beams that interfere with guidance optics or imaging systems. This optical dazzling causes misidentification or guidance failure, neutralizing the threat before it can engage the ship.

NOTE:
IOC: 2020
Operators: United States Navy
Platforms: Arleigh Burke-class destroyers (e.g., USS Dewey DDG-105, USS Stockdale DDG-106)
Conflict used in: No confirmed combat use as of 2025

SOURCE: Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren ; Seapower Magazine ; The War Zone: https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/41914/heres-our-best-look-yet-at-the-navys-new-laser-dazzler-system ; Naval News ; Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_weapon