Defense industry engineers successfully tested the first prototype of the High Power Laser Weapons System similar to the Laser Weapons System that the U.S. has developed, according to a Turkish daily on Monday. Research and development efforts began a year ago through a partnership between ASELSAN - Turkey's largest defense company - The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK), and Bilkent University, with a $120 million budget. The first prototype successfully destroyed the target without being affected by the movements of the platform on which it was installed. The tests were conducted in TUBITAK's laboratories over the past few days. Turkish companies have constantly posted healthy export growth figures in recent years, in line with progress in locally-developed defense systems such as unmanned aerial vehicles, the T129 attack and tactical reconnaissance helicopter and other light weapons. Turkish aerospace and defense companies increased exports by 18.7 percent to $1.64 billion in 2014 compared to $1.45 billion in 2013, according to a statement by the Turkish Exporters Assembly. The first laser system used for military and defense purposes was developed by the U.S. Navy, and was installed on the USS Ponce to be used against drones, helicopters and small patrol boats. It entered service in December 2014 after the navy reported the weapons system worked perfectly.