US Army unveils new laser-armed Stryker vehicle to combat drone warfare

The Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Directed Energy Stryker , an updated version of the Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicle, was unveiled at AUSA 2024. Developed by Leonardo DRS and BlueHalo , the system combines advanced weapons with rapid deployment capabilities, offering a new approach to the U.S. Army’s defense against unmanned aerial systems .

The vehicle features high-tech weapons, including a laser system designed to neutralize enemy drones, as well as 70mm laser-guided rockets, a 30mm automatic cannon and advanced sensors. The laser system, known as the LOCUST Laser Weapon System , can be deployed quickly and is operational within 15 minutes, providing 360-degree coverage for detecting and engaging drones from any direction.

In a live-fire demonstration held in Socorro, New Mexico, the vehicle successfully destroyed multiple drones weighing up to 1,323 pounds (600 kilograms) and flying at high speeds and altitudes.

The C-UAS Stryker combines laser-directed energy weapons and conventional arms, offering the U.S. Army a flexible, mobile defense system capable of addressing a wide range of aerial threats in future combat scenarios.

The LOCUST system allows soldiers to take down drones without relying on traditional ammunition, providing a cost-effective and reliable solution for protecting troops in the field.

In addition to the laser system, the Stryker is equipped with a 30mm cannon and laser-guided rockets, enabling it to engage both drones and ground targets, making it a versatile asset in combat.

The vehicle also features advanced radar and camera systems to help track and target threats, ensuring quick and accurate responses in various situations.

Leonardo DRS and its industry partners, including BlueHalo, developed and tested the C-UAS Stryker in just eight months, demonstrating the rapid pace at which new technologies can be brought to the battlefield.

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