US Army Faces Challenges with Stryker-Mounted Laser Weapon

The US Army is facing challenges with the integration of a 50-kilowatt laser weapon on Stryker vehicles, as soldiers report difficulties with the system's performance in tactical environments. Despite successful initial tests, practical field application has revealed issues with heat dissipation and vehicle wear.

The US Army is gathering feedback from soldiers on the integration of a 50-kilowatt laser weapon on the Stryker armored vehicle, and the initial responses have been largely negative.

Doug Bush, the Army's acquisition head, recently informed the Senate about the difficulties soldiers are encountering with the Directed Energy Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD) system. Soldiers reported that managing the system at various power levels is challenging.

Bush explained, "That 50-kilowatt power level is proving challenging to incorporate into a vehicle that has to move around constantly — the heat dissipation, the amount of electronics, kind of the wear and tear of a vehicle in a tactical environment versus a fixed site."

He emphasized that while the DE M-SHORAD performed well in laboratory and live-fire trials, its performance in a tactical environment has not met expectations. "Soldiers will tell you everything and they’re not worried about your feelings," Bush added.

The DE M-SHORAD Program

The US Army aimed to develop a mobile, cost-effective solution to defeat drones by mounting a high-energy weapon from RTX onto a Stryker vehicle, built by General Dynamics. Kord Technologies was tasked with this initiative, with requirements for the system to neutralize small, medium, and large drones, as well as incoming rockets, artillery, and mortars.

The first tests of the DE M-SHORAD were conducted in August 2021 during a "combat shoot-off" at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Another live-fire test in May 2022 at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico demonstrated the system’s ability to acquire, track, target, and defeat multiple mortars.

In early 2024, the US Army announced the deployment of the Stryker-mounted laser weapon to the Middle East, responding to increasing drone attacks from Houthi rebels. However, Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James Mingus noted that the DE M-SHORAD would not yet conduct live-fire tests or engage hostile drones but would focus on operating in dusty conditions.

Conclusion

The integration of the 50-kilowatt laser weapon into the Stryker vehicle has faced significant challenges, particularly in the tactical environment where mobility and durability are crucial. Despite promising results in initial tests, the system's practical application in the field has highlighted several areas needing improvement. The US Army continues to evaluate and refine the DE M-SHORAD system based on soldier feedback and operational experiences.