The U.S. Army is expected to officially add the Enduring High Energy Laser to its defenses to combat growing drone threats.
The U.S. Army is expected to officially add the Enduring High Energy Laser to its defenses, marking a significant step forward in the military's adoption of a directed energy weapon. The Defense Department is expected to award a contract soon for the system, which will transition the technology from experimental testing into a standardized operational element of the force structure. This move is driven by the proliferation of cheap, un-jammable drones that have become pervasive on modern battlefields, as seen in conflicts in Ukraine and Israel. Traditional interceptor missiles are often economically unsustainable for destroying low-cost drones. The Enduring High Energy Laser provides a scalable, modular solution that allows the Army to replace expensive missiles with more cost-effective laser technology. The program follows years of research and development, refining prototypes that were previously described as not mature enough for use. By formalizing the Enduring High Energy Laser, the military ensures soldiers are equipped to major threats in an increasingly autonomous threat environment.