US Army advances plans for new laser weapon to counter small drones

The U.S. Army is moving forward with plans to field a new high-energy laser system designed to destroy small drones, a key step toward the Army’s goal of making directed-energy weapons an operational capability.

In a Request for Information (RFI) published on October 30, the Army outlined details for the Enduring High Energy Laser (E-HEL) initiative, seeking input from industry ahead of a potential competitive source selection expected as early as the second quarter of fiscal year 2026.

The service also plans to host a technology demonstration at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, in December and January, giving potential vendors an opportunity to showcase their systems in live range testing.

The E-HEL effort is being led by the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO), which has previously developed and tested laser systems under the Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD) program.

However, E-HEL is expected to become the Army’s first official program of record for directed-energy weapons, a milestone that would move the technology from experimental use toward sustained production and fielding.

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What is the Army looking for?

According to the RFI, the Army aims to acquire up to 20 E-HEL platforms, using a modular open systems architecture and leveraging “range-proven” laser and beam control technologies. The system is being designed to provide a hard-kill capability against Group 1 and 2 drones, as well as one-way attack Group 3 UAS, by physically disabling or destroying the aircraft mid-flight.

The system will be capable of operating in both semi-fixed and mobile configurations, either mounted on the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle or deployed in a palletized form for greater flexibility. It will also integrate with external sensors and command networks, including the Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD) system, allowing operators to track drones under both clear and cluttered battlefield conditions.

Defense officials see laser weapons as a potentially cost-effective counter-drone solution, offering faster engagement times, deeper magazines and a far lower cost per shot than traditional kinetic interceptors. A Congressional Research Service report noted that such advantages could provide “a favorable cost-exchange ratio for defenders,” reducing the expense of shooting down low-cost drones.

However, the report also warned of ongoing technical challenges, including beam control, thermal management and the impact of weather, such as rain or fog, on system performance. These issues continue to shape the Army’s development strategy as it pushes toward operational readiness.

The E-HEL program reflects the Pentagon’s growing emphasis on directed energy to counter the rapid proliferation of small drones and loitering munitions on the battlefield. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Army to lead a joint interagency task force focused on defeating these threats, which have become increasingly prevalent in modern conflicts.

Industry responses to the RFI are due by November 21, with the Army signaling that input could directly influence the scope and structure of a formal acquisition program next year.