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.
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.