Multi-domain operations motivate US Army interest in high-power lasers
This 300kW weapon will feature GA-EMS’ scalable Distributed Gain Laser Technology and Boeing’s beam director. (Photo: GA-EMS)
As part of its overall modernisation strategy, the US Army is developing a variety of high-energy laser weapons to defeat UAVs, target helicopters and defend against rockets, mortars and artillery fire.
The US Army is keen to accelerate the deployment of high-energy weapons for deployed frontline units and to protect bases, as a key strand of its broader modernisation programme.
In its Directed Energy Strategy, the Army notes that such weapons would significantly contribute to the execution of multi-domain operations and ‘offer a strategic tool in the fight against low-cost threats, such as drones, found on the modern battlefield’.
Against this backdrop, the Army is looking to leverage proven technologies so it can rapidly prototype directed-energy efforts.
In one recent example, it selected General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) and Boeing
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
- Free magazine subscription to all our titles
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
- 10-year news archive access
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
More from Land Warfare
-
![Myanmar unveils new indigenous military vehicles at Independence Day parade]()
Myanmar unveils new indigenous military vehicles at Independence Day parade
Many countries may have sanctioned Myanmar's military junta, but the Southeast Asian nation continues to receive support from nations such as China, Russia and Ukraine.
-
![New Supacat vehicles add off-road recovery capability for British Army]()
New Supacat vehicles add off-road recovery capability for British Army
Based on the 4x4 Jackal 2, the modular 6x6 Coyote Lightweight Recovery Vehicle package permits off-road recovery of light tactical vehicles in challenging environments.
-
![Ukraine left waiting for German consent to Leopard tank deliveries]()
Ukraine left waiting for German consent to Leopard tank deliveries
The newly appointed German Minister of Defence was unable to provide details on whether the country would approve the donation of Polish Leopard 2A4s to Kyiv or when this decision would be taken.
-
![Indian companies vie for army’s submachine gun tender]()
Indian companies vie for army’s submachine gun tender
Indian companies, most with tie-ups with foreign OEMs, are hoping to win a sizeable tender for 9mm submachine guns.
