US Army awards first contract for production of anti-UAV laser systems
The US military has signed an agreement with AeroVironment to build laser systems designed to defend against unmanned aerial system threats.
Abdulrahman Sadikhli1 min read
The US Army has officially announced the signing of its first contract for the production of a high-energy laser weapon system. The agreement was concluded with the American company AeroVironment (AV) as part of the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program.
According to military officials, the new system is designed to destroy unmanned aerial vehicles. Unlike traditional missile systems, laser weapons operate on electrical energy, which significantly reduces the cost per shot. The system's "magazine" is replenished via an external power source.
US Army Deputy Chief of Staff General Christopher LaNeve noted that this directed-energy program is intended to provide units with an advantage in countering unmanned systems. According to him, the combination of human potential and advanced technology will allow the Army to maintain leadership in the face of adversaries.
In turn, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army Mike O'Badal emphasized the military's long-standing history of cooperation with AeroVironment in the field of directed-energy solutions. He expressed confidence that the implementation of these technologies will give soldiers a decisive advantage in neutralizing UAV threats.
The technical specifications of the E-HEL system provide high operational flexibility. It is expected that the systems will be deployable at stationary bases, semi-stationary tactical positions, and mounted on mobile combat vehicles, allowing for their use in a wide range of operational environments.
Source: news.am
