Which systems can actually stop an attack?
It depends very much on the type of attack foreseen. Electronic warfare and … future high-power microwaves [HPM] could deny opponents the use of most of their weapon systems, but this doesn’t affect systems as simple as an assault rifle, or a rocket-propelled grenade, or, in many cases, a mere boat laden with explosives and driven by a suicidal terrorist. Propeller entanglers [a system of special lines or nets deployed in front of the boat], if deployed at sufficient range, can stop a boat [from] further approaching. Laser dazzlers can effectively stop anybody from taking aim and, consequently, from firing effectively upon you.
How can non-lethal systems help capture attackers?
If the bad guys are running on a go-fast boat, then you might want to stop their craft, either from approaching (terrorist, insurgents) or escaping (traffickers, pirates). This can be done with the aforementioned propeller entanglers. Another solution is “disabling fire” – firing precision shots on the outboard engine: a dangerous or difficult task, but often done from boats or aircraft against illegal traffickers. The use of future high-power [lasers] could further improve precision, yet the amount of required energy is not trivial and beam stabilization is still an issue. Also a possible future solution could envisage special radio frequency or high-power [microwave] emitters with ranges up to 100 meters, but that is not a near-future solution and will require significant R&D work to move beyond the currently available 5- to 10-meter effective range.
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Victor Arroyos fires a laser dazzler on the fantail of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) to familiarize himself with the device. The dazzler can be used for signaling or as a non-lethal deterrent to any hostile force approaching the ship. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Luciano Marano
How can non-lethal systems help with the subsequent prosecution of attackers?
In some cases, the NLW include also some video-recording capability, because they were conceived for law enforcement duties and therefore the very need of a subsequent legal prosecution was part of the original concept from its very onset. More in general, military-operations-other-than-war often require proof that you followed all the rules of engagement and did everything required to warn before disabling or killing a suspect. Demonstrating a methodical, gradual, and calculated approach to escalation of force can help to provide … adequate evidence.
How can NLW be integrated into other combat systems on a ship?
Combat data systems are usually intended to track targets such as submarines, warships, supersonic aircraft, missiles, etc., at ranges up to hundreds of miles. Most of the security-related situations which could require the decision on whether to deploy NLWs are instead related to a much closer range, often just hundreds of yards. To achieve this, the ship’s sensors, both navigation radar and electro-optical heads, can feed their data into one surveillance system, overlapping with maps and other relevant geographic-dependant data (traffic separation channels, national borders, etc.). The operator can now achieve an enhanced situational awareness definitely better suited to the specific needs. This is done on a number of U.S. Navy warships, thanks to the Shipboard Protection System. Two operator workstations are included, one in the Combat Information Center and another on the bridge, to better cover transit and anchor-pier situations. The consoles allow the operator to activate different types [of] reaction, using effectors as [varied] as acoustic projectors, laser dazzlers, high-intensity lights, and even remote-controlled machine guns, if required.