Raytheon delivers C-UAS laser system to USAF
Raytheon has delivered a high-energy laser counter-UAS system to the US Air Force, the company announced on 22 October.
The system is now set for an overseas deployment as part of a year-long air force experiment to train operators and test the system’s effectiveness in real-world conditions.
Raytheon’s high-energy laser weapon system uses an advanced variant of the company’s multi-spectral targeting system, an electro-optical/infrared sensor, to detect, identify and track rogue drones. Once targeted, the system engages the threat and neutralises the UAS.
The company installed its high-energy laser weapon system on a small all-terrain vehicle. On a single charge from a standard 220-volt outlet, the system can deliver ISR capability and multiple precise laser shots. It can also be paired with a generator to provide a nearly infinite number of shots.
Roy Azevedo, president of Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, said: ‘Five years ago, few people worried about the drone threat. Now, we hear about attacks or incursions all the time. Our customers saw this coming and asked us to develop a ready-now counter-UAS capability. We did just that by going from the drawing board to delivery in less than 24 months.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![British Army's open plan draws diverse offerings for Land Rover replacement]()
British Army's open plan draws diverse offerings for Land Rover replacement
The UK Ministry of Defence has avoided being prescriptive in its search to replace the British Army’s Land Rover, meaning vehicle types being offered range from Land Rover Defender Wolf II and Humvee to the hybrid series Fering Pioneer. What does this mean for the procurement process?
-
![DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return]()
DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return
The introduction of Ajax vehicles into British Army service was stopped after operator health issues were reported during an exercise, but manufacturer General Dynamics Land Systems UK believes work over the past 10 months has dealt with the problems.
-
![MAAF to test Britain’s shift from armour to distributed lethality in Estonia]()
MAAF to test Britain’s shift from armour to distributed lethality in Estonia
The bilateral agreement between the UK and Estonia comes as both countries explore how dispersed troops, drones, digital targeting, anti-tank weapons and increasingly long-range fires can complement the combat mass traditionally provided by heavy armour.
