Raytheon recently conducted a test of its latest Coyote LE SR variant, launching it from a helicopter at Nine Mile Training Center. The test marks an expansion of the Coyote family of loitering munitions, which have previously been employed as counter-drone systems with significant operational success.
The Coyote LE SR (Launched Effect Short Range) introduces new capabilities for Ratheon’s family of UAS. Designed for deployment from air, ground and sea platforms, the system is intended for:
- Reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition
- Electronic warfare
- Precision strike
- Communications support
Raytheon states that the Coyote system has already been successfully used to intercept hundreds of drones in combat. However, the LE SR version introduces collaborative autonomy, allowing it to integrate with other battlefield sensors and systems to enhance mission adaptability in real time.
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First helicopter deployment expands use cases
This test marks the first launch of a Coyote system from a helicopter, expanding potential operational uses for the platform. While previous Coyote iterations have been used for counter-drone operations, the company is now positioning the LE SR as a multi-role battlefield asset.
According to Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon, the system’s flexibility and relatively low cost provide troops with a tool to address evolving threats.
“The Coyote LE SR is a low-cost, flexible system that equips troops with a new tool to outpace constantly evolving threats,” Laliberty said in a company statement.
Raytheon plans additional tests of the Coyote LE SR throughout 2025, though details on deployment timelines and potential military adoption remain unclear. While the system’s counter-drone effectiveness has been well-documented, its expanded role in precision strike and electronic warfare will likely be fleshed out through further operational testing.
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