Leonardo's Directed Energy Weapon Shoots Down Drones in Live Fire Test

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and BlueHalo announced a live-fire demonstration of a new Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Directed Energy Stryker, designed to neutralize Group 1-3 UAS using a blend of kinetic and non-kinetic methods.

During the demonstration last month for U.S. Army officials in Socorro, New Mexico, the mobile C-UAS capability destroyed multiple drones utilizing BlueHalo’s 26-kilowatt LOCUST Laser Weapon System (LWS). The test featured simultaneous engagements using both the laser and a 30mm remote weapon station (RWS), with the C-UAS DE Stryker achieving a 100% success rate against all targets over the two-day event.

“In eight months, Leonardo DRS and our industry partners designed, built, and tested this Stryker-based Directed Energy Counter-UAS prototype,” said Aaron Hankins, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Leonardo DRS Land Systems. “We’re excited to display it during the 2024 AUSA Annual meeting.”

The Stryker platform features two primary kinetic effectors: EOS Defense Systems’ USA R400 30mm RWS equipped with Northrop Grumman’s XM914 cannon and BAE Systems’ 2.75” Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, launched from an Arnold Defense system. The on-board radar, DRS’ RPS-92 nMHR, provides long-range detection, continuous tracking, and weapon system cueing capabilities.

In addition to kinetic systems, the C-UAS DE Stryker employs non-kinetic effectors, including BlueHalo’s LOCUST LWS, which is stored within the Stryker and deployed upon threat detection. The 26-kilowatt LWS integrates precision optical and laser hardware with advanced software, enabling efficient tracking and destruction of Group 1-3 UAS threats. Furthermore, the system employs BlueHalo’s Titan C-UAS and Titan-SV technologies, ensuring comprehensive 360-degree surveillance and threat mitigation.

The C-UAS DE Stryker enhances soldiers' mobility, firepower, and protection in tactical environments, providing improved lethality against ground and aerial threats. Fully integrated with the U.S. Army’s Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) network, the Stryker ensures interoperability with other air defense systems.

This new C-UAS DE Stryker represents a collaborative effort among Leonardo DRS, BlueHalo, EOS Defense Systems USA, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Digital Systems Engineering, Arnold Defense, and AMPEX.