The US Army has received prototypes of the DE M-SHORAD air defence system with laser weapons

The U.S. Army wants to use more than just missiles and cannons to counter short-range airborne thunderstorms. The service is also investing in laser weapons. It recently received four prototypes.

Here's What We Know

The 4th Battalion, 60th Air Defence Artillery Regiment (4-60th ADAR) has received four prototypes of the Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defence (DE M-SHORAD). In simple words, it is an air defence system that destroys air threats using a laser.

The power of the laser weapon is 50 kW. The DE M-SHORAD system will be an important component of integrated, echeloned air and missile defence for manoeuvre formations.

The short-range laser weapon is mounted on a production Stryker chassis. Development began in 2019. Raytheon won the competition after Northrop Grumman declined to participate. The Stryker is additionally equipped with power supply, radiator battery and cooling system fans.

Source: US Army