The U.S. Navy has announced plans to deploy a ship-mounted laser weapon next year.

NBC News reported that the USS Ponce will be the first ship to host the prototype laser weapon. The weapon is capable of warding off hostile boats, thwarting foreign threats and intercepting incoming missiles.

The U.S. Navy will test the new laser weapon by summer next year and use it as part of its missile defense system, after confirming its capability to combat aerial threats.