By Johnny Franks, Warrior Maven Editorial Fellow What if the battlefield of the future is dominated by laser weapons? The United States Army has ramped up its prospects in terms of military technology with the planned acquisition of Valkyrie laser weapons systems from Lockheed Martin (LM) [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/10/12/ride-of-valkyries-army-getting-us-militarys-most-powerful-laser-weapons-yet.html], significantly increasing the Army’s supply. These laser weapons have immense potential of unmatched power and flexibility that could redefine the future of military engagements, particularly in the context of great power conflicts. The contracts announced by LM are expected to be awarded to deliver high-powered laser weapons, to the tune of up to 300-kilowatt class energy [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/10/12/ride-of-valkyries-army-getting-us-militarys-most-powerful-laser-weapons-yet.html]. The Valkyrie system's capability to deliver 300 kilowatts (kW) of power significantly surpasses existing laser weaponry within the Defense Department's collection [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/10/12/ride-of-valkyries-army-getting-us-militarys-most-powerful-laser-weapons-yet.html]. To put it into perspective, the Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD) system, known as "Guardian" and mounted on the Army's Stryker vehicles, achieves a maximum of 50 kW in power output [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/10/12/ride-of-valkyries-army-getting-us-militarys-most-powerful-laser-weapons-yet.html]. The Valkyrie systems are poised to be delivered to the Army in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 [about:blank]. Such technology could provide a defense against a broad array of threats, such as drones, missiles, and possibly even aircraft, with precision and accuracy far exceeding conventional weapons. As part of the part of the High Energy Laser Scaling Initiative (HELSI) [https://sgp.fas.org/crs/weapons/R46925.pdf] managed by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering, the advancement is part of a broader push by the US military to integrate laser and directed energy systems on various platforms [https://breakingdefense.com/2023/07/lockheed-secures-221m-army-deal-for-high-powered-air-defense-laser-prototype/]. The primary objective is to provide comprehensive protection for US troops and improve the critical infrastructure defending against emerging and existing airborne threats. Video: Army Explores Futuristic Drone-Launching StrykerX With Lockheed Martin's approach to the Valkyrie system, it is not only the power of the system but also its strategic versatility. The system is designed for deployment on mobile platforms that would offer 360-degree coverage protecting against incoming projectiles, and rotary and fixed-wing aircraft [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/10/12/ride-of-valkyries-army-getting-us-militarys-most-powerful-laser-weapons-yet.html]. The integration of these laser systems into the Army's Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System and the use of the Sentinel radar as the sensor [https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/sentinel-a4.html] bridge a critical gap in the US's short-range air defense capabilities, which has expanded the military's ability to safeguard its personnel and assets against a spectrum of threats. These systems are said to be a response to the need for more sophisticated air defense mechanisms, capable of neutralizing advanced missile technologies and enhancing the US's strategic defense posture. Lockheed Martin's work to scale such technology—having already delivered a 300-kilowatt laser under the Pentagon's HELSI and working toward a 500-kilowatt system [https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2022/9/15/lockheed-martin-delivers-high-powered-laser-tech-to-dod]—indicates a blistering pace of innovation in military laser technology. This development trajectory speaks of a transformative shift to energy-based defense systems, promising greater efficiencies, a lower cost over time due to their "near-unlimited magazine" nature, and reduced collateral damage compared to traditional munitions. This does not mean that embracing such advanced technology is without its challenges. Operational testing has unveiled problems with the maintenance in remote and austere locations, emphasizing that refinements in the design of these systems, as well as in the necessary support infrastructure, are needed to ensure that they can work effectively under all conditions of modern warfare. Johnny Franks holds an MA in U.S. Foreign Policy & National Security from American University and a BA in Diplomacy & World Affairs from Occidental College. With a specific interest in geopolitical security and military technology, Johnny has primarily focused his research and analysis on the Russia-Ukraine conflict from 2014 onwards. As part of his MA coursework, Johnny contributed to developing an Arctic defense strategy in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense
