Army Stryker Laser Incinerates Drones

By Kris Osborn

And confirmed the new weapon’s ability to incinerate numerous enemy drones and launch offensive attacks during ongoing testing at Fort Sill, Okla., service officials said.

No bullets were fired, and no sounds were made as the experimental laser, called Mobile High-Energy Laser (MEHEL), destroyed drone targets during recent testing, according to an Army report.

Silent defense and attack provide a substantial tactical advantage as it can afford Stryker vehicles the opportunity to conduct combat missions without giving away their position.

Army officials said that after a few attempts to destroy the drone with the laser, the drone fell from the sky, crashing to the ground.

“We are working with Space and Missile Defense Command, using their MEHEL to engage various targets, to include low-flying UAS,” Lt. Col. Jeff Erts, Chief of Experimentation and Wargaming, Fires Battle Lab, Fires Center of Excellence, said in a written statement.

According to an Army report, (Army.mil) – Adam Aberle, SMDC High Energy Laser Division technology development and demonstration lead said the testing verified that a radar and laser could be mounted on a Stryker vehicle so that it could self-cue targets.

During testing last year, the laser weapon successfully shot down 21 out of 23 enemy drone targets.