The Army has inked a $203 million contract to accelerate rapid prototyping and fielding of its first combat-capable laser weapon system, to be mounted on Stryker vehicles, according to a service news release. Contractors Northrop Grumman and Raytheon will build competing laser weapon prototypes. They have a year to integrate them onto the General Dynamics-made Stryker vehicle and prepare a range demonstration showing how the weapon holds off various threats. The weapons prototypes, which will support the Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) mission, will help protect maneuvering brigade combat teams from enemy drones, as well as helicopters and indirect fires. Following the initial test, the Army plans to purchase three more laser-equipped Strykers, making four prototype vehicles to be fielded to an M-SHORAD platoon in fiscal 2022. Read more at Army.mil.
Army Will Put Lasers on Combat Vehicles
