After an eight-month sprint to develop and install a laser-equipped Counter-UAS system on an Army Stryker vehicle, Leonardo DRS and BlueHalo conducted a successful live-fire test last month in New Mexico. The Stryker-based C-UAS DE Stryker can detect, identify, and track multiple drone threats and neutralize them using kinetic and non-kinetic means.
During the demonstration, the system destroyed multiple uncrewed systems, proving its effectiveness with a 26-kilowatt Locust laser weapon system. BlueHalo’s Locust laser weapon was the centerpiece of the project, with Leonardo DRS serving as the prime integrator.
The system integration and demonstration were funded by a coalition of industry partners, with the Army providing a Stryker for the project. The ability to use multiple effectors and integrate payloads from various providers is a key feature of the effort.
The demonstration has piqued interest from the Army, and further integration efforts will be wrapped up before participating in a concept verification effort at White Sands Missile Range in December. Data from these events will inform next steps for the DE Stryker.
Following the demonstrations, BlueHalo will focus on production and scaling the technology, particularly in manufacturing capacity for the Locust system.
Courtney Albon is C4ISRNET’s space and emerging technology reporter, with a focus on the U.S. military, including the Air Force and Space Force, and significant Defense Department challenges.
