Leonardo DRS Joins Effort to Advance Army's High-Energy Laser Weapons

Leonardo DRS has been selected by AeroVironment as a subcontractor for the U.S. Army’s Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) production program, aiming to provide expertise in rugged integration and support the transition from prototype to operational readiness. The Army awarded AeroVironment a $495 million contract last September with the goal of producing dozens of LOCUST X3 laser weapon systems over several years.

The E-HEL initiative is part of broader military efforts to develop non-kinetic solutions for countering drone threats, which have become increasingly prevalent on modern battlefields. High-energy lasers offer a promising solution due to their ability to disable drones without the need for physical projectiles or explosives. However, integrating such technology into combat-ready systems presents significant technical challenges related to power management and environmental resilience.

Leonardo DRS’s involvement is expected to address these hurdles through its specialized knowledge in vehicle integration and thermal control. Aaron Hankins, vice president and general manager of Leonardo DRS's land systems business, emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering reliable high-energy laser capabilities for the Army. He noted that the firm has extensive experience with directed energy projects, including a recent rapid prototyping effort to integrate a high-energy laser into an armored vehicle.

While financial details of the subcontract were not immediately disclosed by either Leonardo DRS or AeroVironment, both companies highlighted their previous work in developing and testing advanced DE technologies. Additionally, AeroVironment’s Palletized High-Energy Laser system was recently chosen for a pilot program led by Joint Interagency Task Force 401 alongside other high-powered microwave systems from Epirus and Boeing.

Brigadier General Matt Ross of JIATF 401 underscored the strategic importance of these emerging technologies, stating that they represent essential tools in layered drone defense strategies. The task force plans to conduct a directed energy “shoot-off” later this year to evaluate and refine these capabilities further within an operational context.

The integration of high-energy laser systems into military arsenals marks a significant advancement in defensive technology, reflecting the evolving nature of modern warfare where unmanned aerial vehicles pose substantial threats. As such developments continue, they promise to reshape not only tactical defense strategies but also broader military doctrines concerning engagement and deterrence on contemporary battlefields.