The U.S. Army has achieved a significant milestone in the development and deployment of advanced military technology, successfully fielding its 50-kilowatt laser-equipped Stryker vehicles in Iraq. This innovative system, known as the Directed Energy Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD), represents a leap forward in air defense capabilities, especially in countering the increasing threat posed by aerial drones and other airborne attacks.
The deployment, revealed at the Future Armored Vehicles Survivability (FAVS) 2024 Conference in London, underscores the Army’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance battlefield survivability. The three-day conference, running from November 11 to 13, served as a platform for showcasing advancements in armored vehicle protection and survivability.
The DE M-SHORAD system mounts a powerful 50-kilowatt RTX laser onto a Stryker vehicle platform, equipping it to counter a wide spectrum of aerial threats.
- Class 1 to 3 drones,
- Rockets,
- Artillery, and
- Mortars.
With the increasing prevalence of small, cost-effective drones in conflict zones, the system offers a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional missile interceptors.
After undergoing rigorous development, the first platoon of four DE M-SHORAD vehicles was delivered to the Army in September 2023. These vehicles were later deployed to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of operations in February 2024 for further testing under field conditions.
In June, the system completed an evaluation by the Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC), achieving a flawless performance. During trials, it successfully neutralized all 15 target drones, demonstrating its effectiveness and reliability.
Speaking at the FAVS 2024 conference, Colonel Steven Gutierrez, Project Manager for DE M-SHORAD at the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO), elaborated on the deployment process, highlighting the platform’s air mobility. Images presented at the conference showed the Stryker-mounted laser system being loaded onto a C-17 transport aircraft, emphasizing its adaptability and rapid deployment potential.
Since their deployment in Iraq, the laser-equipped vehicles have undergone continuous field testing, ensuring durability and operational readiness in harsh conditions. A mobile ISO-5 cleanroom accompanies the units, enabling on-site diagnostics and maintenance in austere environments.
Although Col. Gutierrez refrained from confirming any combat engagements involving hostile drones, the deployment marks a significant step toward integrating directed energy weapons into active combat zones.
The Army is leveraging insights from these field deployments to refine the system further. Upcoming analysis will guide technology upgrades and shape acquisition strategies, ensuring the DE M-SHORAD’s continued relevance in evolving battlefield scenarios.
The Pentagon has accelerated its development of directed energy weapons, driven by the urgent need to counter the proliferation of low-cost aerial drones. Recent conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine and skirmishes in the Red Sea, have underscored the effectiveness of drones in modern warfare.
Drones have emerged as a dominant force on the battlefield, providing adversaries with a cost-effective means to disrupt military operations. For the U.S., these threats are particularly acute in the Middle East, where drone attacks on U.S. installations have intensified in recent years.
- Traditional missile interceptors, while effective, come with a high financial burden—often costing millions of dollars per intercept.
- Directed energy systems like DE M-SHORAD offer a more cost-efficient solution, reducing the per-unit kill cost and expanding tactical options.
- The DE M-SHORAD is part of the Army’s broader Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) initiative, which aims to enhance air defense capabilities through incremental advancements.
The DE M-SHORAD works alongside its kinetic counterpart, the M-SHORAD, now designated the Sgt. Stout.
- Stinger heat-seeking missiles,
- AGM-114L Hellfire radar-guided missiles,
- XM914 30mm cannons, and
- Advanced radar systems.
- The vehicle pays tribute to Sgt. Mitchell William Stout, a Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient.
- The Army’s M-SHORAD program includes several planned upgrades:
- Increment 3: Replacing the Stinger missile with advanced alternatives.
- Increment 4: Developing a lighter, air-mobile system capable of supporting airborne operations. Potential platforms include:
- 4×4 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs),
- Unmanned ground vehicles, and
- Hybrid configurations.
- Armament options for these systems include Raytheon’s Coyote counter-drone interceptor, the APKWS II, and the XM914 cannon.
- Integrating Drone Defense: The M-LIDS Platform
- Parallel to the M-SHORAD efforts, the Army has expanded its Mobile, Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (M-LIDS) program. The M-LIDS system incorporates:
- Coyote interceptors,
- XM914 cannons, and
- Electronic warfare components.
The Army plans to consolidate M-LIDS onto a single Stryker platform, bridging the gap between M-LIDS and M-SHORAD systems. This integrated approach will streamline operations and enhance the military’s ability to counter drone threats.
The deployment of DE M-SHORAD in Iraq is a harbinger of the increasing role directed energy weapons will play in modern warfare.
- Cost Efficiency: Reducing reliance on expensive missile interceptors.
- Operational Flexibility: Offering scalable options for varying threat levels and conditions.
- Enhanced Mobility: Rapid deployment capability via air transport.
As the Army continues to refine the DE M-SHORAD and other directed energy systems, these technologies are poised to become a cornerstone of U.S. military strategy, especially in counter-drone operations.
