The US Army has received the first mobile lasers against drones — they are already at the test site

Two prototypes, one laser — how AMP-HEL works

On September 3, AeroVironment officially announced that the US Army has received the first prototypes of mobile laser systems for combating drones. This is not fiction or laboratory testing — two combat samples have already been transferred to the Office of Army Rapid Response Capabilities (RCCTO) as part of the AMP-HEL — Multi-domain, High-Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) program.

The goal is simple — to destroy small and medium-sized drones, which are increasingly becoming a threat on the battlefield.

20 kW, ISV and drones: what's in the build

Each prototype is equipped with a 20 kilowatt LOCUST laser system. This is not the kind of laser that will boil a tank, but it is more than enough to shoot down quadrocopters, reconnaissance drones and even small attack vehicles. The main thing is accuracy and speed. The laser hits the target in seconds, without wasting ammunition and leaving no traces.

All this is installed on the ISV platform, an SUV that the army buys from General Motors Defense. It is lightweight, passable and fits easily into tactical groups. That is, you can take the laser with you, rather than waiting for it to be brought from the base.

Laser on wheels — why is it in the shelf

Previously, anti—drone systems were either stationary or radio-electronic - silencers. The laser is the next level. It doesn't just jam the signal, it destroys the drone itself: it burns through the body, breaks the screws, and disables the electronics.

And most importantly, it's mobile. Imagine: a company is moving forward, and suddenly a reconnaissance drone appears above the forest. After 10 seconds, there is a flash, smoke, and the device crashes. No rockets, no popping. Just a ray of light and the result.

Why is this more important than it seems?

At first glance, 20 kW is not enough. But it's a start. The AMP-HEL program is not about a single laser, but about creating an entire ecosystem of mobile directed energy systems. Today it's 20 kW, tomorrow it's 50, then 100. And not only against drones, but also against missiles, mines and even unmanned boats.

The US Army no longer wants to depend on limited ammunition. The laser works as long as there is electricity. And this is the future of air defense.

Sources

1. Army Technology — AV supplies first US AMP-HEL laser prototypes
2. AeroVironment Press Release — delivery of first two multi-purpose high-energy laser systems to US Army
3. Marketscreener — AeroVironment delivers first two multi-purpose high energy laser systems to US Army
4. Investing.com — AeroVironment delivers first laser weapon systems to US Army
5. Optics.org — AV delivers first two multi-purpose high-energy laser weapons