By U.S. Army Public Affairs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army announced today the award to AeroVironment, Inc., Albuquerque, New Mexico, of an other-transaction-agreement for production under the Enduring-High Energy Laser program. This is the Army’s first production contract for a high energy laser weapon system.

“This first of its kind directed energy program will enable our formations to defeat unmanned systems and dominate from the outset. Pairing human ingenuity with advanced technology is what ensures our Army will continue to outpace America’s adversaries,” stated General Christopher LaNeve, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army.

Directed-energy weapons, such as E-HEL, can be used to take out drones at a much lower cost than using more expensive kinetic weapons like missiles. Powered by electric energy, E-HEL generates a lethal high-energy laser beam, offering a low cost-per-shot against critical unmanned aircraft system threats, and a magazine that regenerates with the system’s power supply.

“The key to successfully countering all levels of drones is a layered defense of sensors and effectors. AV and the Army have worked for years to develop directed energy solutions, and we are proud to give our soldiers a decisive edge against drone threats,” said the Honorable Mike Obadal, Under Secretary of the Army.

Developed using a modular open systems approach design consisting of 11 major interfaces, E-HEL is not locked into a single platform or vehicle. The system is designed for operational flexibility, capable of deployment from fixed bases, semi-fixed tactical sites, and mobile combat vehicles, ensuring broad applicability across the operational spectrum. This approach will enable onboarding of cutting-edge capabilities and continuous technology upgrades as they mature to address emerging Army requirements.

“The E-HEL program is an example of how the Army has successfully utilized MOSA, a key element of acquisition reform, as part of our efforts to field technology quickly with an interface to upgrade in the future,” said the Honorable Brent Ingraham, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology and Army Acquisition Executive. “Directed energy weapons have been considered S&T projects, and I’m proud that the Army is moving at speed and scale to deliver this first time capability,” he concluded.

The E-HEL program represents a significant step forward in the Army’s effort to deliver scalable, affordable, and adaptable directed energy capabilities to Soldiers. By transitioning from prototype development to production, the Army is establishing a foundation for continued capability growth and integration across the force. As E-HEL moves toward operational fielding, the program will continue to mature the technology and expand its ability to defeat evolving aerial threats while providing commanders with an additional layer of protection for critical assets and maneuver forces.