HII to Develop Advanced High-Energy Laser Weapon System for U.S. Army
American defense contractor HII has been selected by the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) to develop a cutting-edge high-energy laser (HEL) weapon system. This next-generation system is designed to provide a powerful countermeasure against unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), ensuring robust force protection in modern battlefields.
A Highly Adaptable and Scalable Defense System
HII’s HEL weapon will leverage an open-architecture framework, allowing seamless integration with various military platforms. It is primarily aimed at neutralizing Group 1-3 drones, which range from small commercial quadcopters to larger tactical UAS. The system will be deployable in both fixed and mobile configurations, enabling military forces to adapt to rapidly changing operational needs.
One of the key advantages of this system is its scalability. The modular design allows for easy enhancements, ensuring that new technologies can be incorporated as threats evolve. The laser weapon will offer a sustainable alternative to traditional kinetic air defense systems, reducing reliance on costly missiles while maintaining high precision and efficiency.
Technological Edge and Strategic Importance
HII’s prototype will include a high-powered directed energy weapon capable of engaging multiple aerial threats at once. This system will integrate advanced tracking, targeting, and engagement software to provide real-time threat assessment and response. The HEL’s ability to fire multiple times without reloading makes it a cost-effective and continuous-use defense asset.
As part of the contract, HII will provide critical system data to support further innovation and the competitive development of subsystems. This aligns with the Army’s Modular Open Systems Approach, emphasizing cost efficiency, interoperability, and rapid upgrades.
According to Grant Hagen, President of HII’s Mission Technologies Warfare Systems group, “We are proud to provide a critical enabler for the Army, delivering an effective, interoperable, sustainable, and scalable system that will meet force protection requirements and support U.S. strategic objectives.”
From Prototype to Deployment
The HEL project will undergo extensive field testing to assess its performance, safety, and operational viability. The goal is to transition the weapon to the Army’s Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space, which could lead to low-rate initial production in the near future.
This initiative marks a significant step in the Army’s efforts to counter the increasing threat of drone warfare. As adversaries continue to develop and deploy unmanned aerial systems, high-energy laser weapons offer a critical advantage by providing an efficient, rapid-response solution for battlefield protection.
HII: A Leader in Defense Innovation
Based in Virginia, HII is the largest military shipbuilder in the United States, employing over 44,000 personnel. The company is known for its expertise in all-domain defense solutions, including unmanned systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and synthetic training. This latest project further reinforces HII’s role in advancing U.S. military capabilities and ensuring national security.
