The U.S. Army is actively seeking industry proposals for high-energy laser systems designed to counter small- to medium-sized drones. This initiative, part of the Army’s Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program, aims to enhance its capabilities against unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The request for information (RFI), released late last week, outlines the Army’s objectives and requirements for this innovative technology.
According to the RFI issued by the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO), the Army is particularly focused on solutions that can protect “semi-fixed” and maneuver forces from Group 1 and 2 drones, as well as Group 3 “one-way attack” drones. This marks the Army’s first formal effort to establish a program of record for a new family of high-energy laser systems, signaling a significant step forward in its counter-drone capabilities.
The Army plans to acquire 20 E-HEL systems using a modular open systems approach, with contract awards expected to begin in the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 or later. The RFI specifies that interested vendors must demonstrate expertise in various areas, including the production of sophisticated laser weapon system components, supply chain management, and integration. They must also possess a secret facility clearance and a solid track record in HEL weapon systems and testing.
Requirements and Demonstrations
In addition to its protective capabilities, the E-HEL system must be capable of being mounted on Joint Light Tactical Vehicles and deployed as a “palletized” unit. Ground transportability and compliance with C-17 transport requirements are also essential. Vendors without recent government-witnessed test data will need to demonstrate their solutions at the Directed Energy Project Office (DEPO), which operates under the RCCTO.
Demonstration events are scheduled to take place at the Dugway Proving Ground in Utah from December 8-19, 2023, and January 5-30, 2024. During these demonstrations, the DEPO will evaluate key attributes such as fluence, tracker performance, engagement track range, and laser quality. The goal is to assess whether systems that do not achieve a hard kill on Group 3 UAS can still be effective against Group 3 one-way attack threats.
Responses to the RFI are due by November 21, 2023. While the RFI does not guarantee future solicitations, it indicates the Pentagon’s commitment to advancing directed energy weapons technology. These systems have long been viewed as a potentially cost-effective solution for neutralizing drone threats, although the Department of Defense has faced challenges in advancing this technology beyond initial development stages.
As the Army moves forward with its plans to enhance its counter-drone capabilities, the successful integration of high-energy laser systems could play a crucial role in addressing the evolving threats posed by unmanned aerial vehicles on the battlefield.
