US Army making 100 kilowatt lasers to defend against drones, rockets and mortars

Raytheon Company is developing a 100 kW class laser weapon system preliminary design for integration onboard the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles. This is a $10 million U.S. Army’s High Energy Laser Tactical Vehicle Demonstration program contract. It is expected that there will be a follow up $130 million contract starting in 2019.

The laser will be used to defend the army against drones, rockets and mortars.

The US army has already tested 5 and 10-kilowatt lasers on trucks.

Medium tactical vehicles have 5 tons of cargo capability and are usually 10-ton vehicles. Vehicles can be heavier if they have more armor,