The U.S. Army has received two mobile laser weapon systems from AeroVironment.

Copyright © BusinessAMBE 2023 Key takeaways The U.S. Army has received two mobile laser weapon systems from AeroVironment to counter drone threats. The 20-kilowatt lasers are mounted on Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) and provide greater lethality and mobility for soldiers in forward positions. The Army’s focus on mobile laser systems is a response to the growing threat of low-cost drones and offers a sustainable defensive option alongside traditional air defense. AeroVironment has delivered two mobile laser weapon systems to the U.S. Army, a key milestone in the development of anti-drone technology. The systems are part of the Army’s AMP-HEL (Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser) program, which is designed to address the growing threat of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Lethality The new systems are mounted on Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) and use AeroVironment’s LOCUST laser weapon system. This 20-kilowatt laser features a beam director with a larger aperture than earlier prototypes, improving lethality against UAS targets. The JLTV platform offers greater mobility and protection for soldiers operating in forward positions. This delivery follows the September deployment of two LOCUST systems integrated into Infantry Squad Vehicles (ISVs). AeroVironment notes that the cost-effectiveness, robustness, accuracy, and scalability of its LOCUST system are key advantages in the fight against the evolving UAS threats faced by frontline troops. Expertise The company’s expertise in directed energy systems extends beyond AMP-HEL. Since 2022, AeroVironment has been supplying LOCUST lasers as part of the P-HEL (Palletized-High Energy Laser) program, with the deployed systems proving their effectiveness in the field during counter-UAS missions in combat operations. This success underscores the growing maturity of directed energy technology as a reliable option for force protection. LOCUST’s precise target acquisition, tracking, and beam control provide soldiers with an accessible and dependable solution to modern aerial threats. Emerging threats The Army’s focus on mobile laser systems stems from concerns about the spread of low-cost drones and other aerial threats that can overwhelm traditional air defense systems. Laser weapons offer a sustainable defensive option by using electrical power instead of expendable interceptors to engage targets. AeroVironment highlights the platform-agnostic nature of its directed energy systems, which allows them to be rapidly deployed on various platforms, including fixed installations and mobile units. The AMP-HEL program illustrates the Army’s effort to explore and refine directed energy technologies before rolling them out at scale. By deploying prototype systems with operational units, the Army aims to assess performance, reliability, and maintenance requirements under real-world conditions. (fc) Want to receive more defense news? Sign up here for our weekly Defense Insider newsletter. Follow Business AM on Google News as well Want access to all articles? Take advantage of our temporary promotion and subscribe here!

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