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
-
![Croatia seeks partner for Patria BOV maintenance]()
Croatia seeks partner for Patria BOV maintenance
Croatian MoD awaits interest from industry in tender to support its 126-vehicle fleet of Patria BOV APCs.
-
![Rheinmetall sells Skyguard 3 systems to international customer]()
Rheinmetall sells Skyguard 3 systems to international customer
An unnamed customer will receive Oerlikon Skyguard 3 air defence systems by 2024.
-
![Sweden and UK double down on NLAW procurement]()
Sweden and UK double down on NLAW procurement
Following the success of NLAW in the defence of Ukraine, the UK and Sweden have signed an agreement for increased procurement of the system.
-
![France moves forward with Furious schedule]()
France moves forward with Furious schedule
France is ploughing ahead with its 2022 schedule for the Furious UGV development programme, with the DGA procurement agency awarding Safran a second-phase contract.
