US Navy uses Xbox-style controllers to fire anti-drone lasers deployed on ships

The U.S. Navy has begun employing Xbox-style controllers for its anti-drone laser systems, according to Interesting Engineering. The controllers provide targeting precision and rapid user inputs, making them suitable for operating the weapons platform. Sailors are already familiar with the layout of these handheld controllers, which aids in quicker training.

The setup could either be wired or wireless, and whether the Navy procured a pre-made system or customized one from a contractor remains unclear. This isn't the first time controllers have been used for critical systems; the ill-fated Titan submersible utilized a Logitech F710 game controller as its sole control interface. The U.S. Navy has now deployed these Xbox-style controllers on warships, reportedly using them against drones in the Strait of Hormuz.

Previously, lasers have been utilized to neutralize drones from land-based systems, such as Mexican cartel drones in late August and Ukraine's experiment with AI-guided lasers to destroy Shahed suicide drones in mid-2026. This marks one of the first instances of an anti-drone laser being deployed in an active conflict area months after testing on the USS George H.W.

Bush supercarrier. The Royal Navy is also planning to install a similar system on its destroyers, with an expected operational date by next year. Using lasers for counter-drone operations is cost-effective compared to traditional missiles and close-in weapons systems, as they are cheaper to operate, charged with electricity, and don't rely on conventional ammunition, as long as there's enough power and the system remains serviceable, lasers can continue defending the ship from drones without needing additional missiles or ammo.