Lockheed Martin awarded laser weapon contract
Lockheed Martin has received a contract from the US Navy to develop, manufacture and deliver two high power laser weapon systems, the company announced on 1 March.
The contract is worth $150 million and includes options that would bring the overall value up to $942.8 million.
The High Energy Laser and Integrated Optical-dazzler with Surveillance (HELIOS) system will help the navy move closer toward its goal of fielding laser weapon systems aboard surface ships.
The HELIOS system combines three major capabilities in one weapon system: a high-energy laser system designed to counter UAS and small boats; a long-range ISR capability; and a counter-UAS dazzler capability.
In this first increment of the US Navy's Surface Navy Laser Weapon System programme, Lockheed Martin will deliver two units for test by 2020. While one unit will be delivered for shipboard integration on an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, the other will be used for land testing at White Sands Missile Range.
Michele Evans, vice president and general manager of integrated warfare systems and sensors, Lockheed Martin, said: ‘The HELIOS programme is the first of its kind, and brings together laser weapon, long-range ISR and counter-UAS capabilities, dramatically increasing the situational awareness and layered defence options available to the US Navy.’
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Defending the Fleet: Naval air defence in the drone era (podcast)]()
Defending the Fleet: Naval air defence in the drone era (podcast)
In an era of swarming drones, proliferating missiles and saturation attacks, naval air defence must combine cutting-edge effectiveness with low cost per intercept. Israel’s Rafael is applying its long expertise to help navies adapt to emerging threats, while looking to a future of laser technology – and beyond.
-
![US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme]()
US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme
The US Navy intends to enhance the integration and lethality of the Aegis capabilities onboard its cruisers and destroyers.
-
![Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist]()
Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist
Austal signs long-delayed Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, but schedule risks and programme delays still loom over Canberra’s naval plans.
-
![Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs]()
Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
-
![Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027]()
Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027
The US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer is a stealth ship originally designed to consist of a fleet of 32 but has been cut back to three. Conceived for a land-attack role, it is now being fitted with a hypersonic missile capability.
