US Army Expands Competition for Short-Range Laser Defense Systems

 

The U.S. Army is broadening its evaluation of 50-kilowatt platforms as it pursues the acquisition of short-range air defense laser weapons. Despite deploying the initial four prototypes to U.S. Central Command’s area of operations, the Army is considering additional platforms to enhance its capabilities, according to a Defense News report.

Currently, three Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense systems (DE M-SHORAD) are operational in Iraq, facilitating experimentation in relevant operational environments. The fourth prototype will join them after undergoing necessary adjustments, stated Lt. Gen. Robert Rasch, director of the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.

While the Army originally intended to conclude the DE M-SHORAD prototyping effort and transition to Program Executive Office Missiles and Space by 2023, it has extended the timeline to fiscal year 2025 for further development.

The initial prototypes feature a 50-kilowatt laser installed on a Stryker combat vehicle, with Raytheon and Kord Technologies leading integration efforts. Two additional 50-kilowatt platforms from nLight and Lockheed Martin will be evaluated next year, offering different designs and characteristics.

The Army's evaluation process is expected to span approximately two years, gathering data from existing and new systems to inform senior leadership decisions by the late 2026 or early 2027 timeframe. Rasch emphasized the importance of maintaining competition to enhance overall performance and affordability.

While progress may seem slow, Rasch underscored the significance of operationalizing the systems to understand their lethality and reliability in real-world scenarios. The Army is investing approximately $100 million annually in this endeavor, evaluating laser options ranging from 10 to 300 kilowatts to address various threats and missions.

Through an integrated test campaign, the Army aims to collect comprehensive data on power, lethality, affordability, and reliability across directed-energy weapons. This approach will inform strategic decision-making and help optimize defense strategies against emerging threats in diverse environments, Rasch concluded.