The modern battlefield is continuously evolving, and the proliferation of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) has emerged as one of the most significant shifts in recent military engagements. These drones, once relegated to surveillance missions, have advanced to include sophisticated weaponized versions that pose serious threats to military assets and personnel. In response to this rising challenge, the U.S. military, alongside defense contractors and technology innovators, has been accelerating the development of advanced counter-drone systems. A notable example of this is the Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems Directed Energy (C-UAS DE) Stryker, which is being heralded as a pivotal system in the ongoing effort to neutralize UAS threats.
Developed by Leonardo DRS, the U.S.-based subsidiary of Italy’s Leonardo, the C-UAS DE Stryker represents a breakthrough in the integration of directed energy technology into mobile platforms. As modern warfare continues to emphasize the importance of flexibility and mobility, directed energy systems like those in the C-UAS DE Stryker offer unique advantages in countering the dynamic and evolving threats posed by drones. This system was developed in collaboration with seven other partners, including BlueHalo, EOS Defense Systems USA, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Arnold Defense, AMPEX, and Digital Systems Engineering, demonstrating the significant cooperation required to produce such a technologically advanced system.
Image : LOCUST Leonardo DRS capture
At the heart of this new counter-drone Stryker prototype is a 26-kilowatt laser system, developed by BlueHalo, known as the LOCUST (Low-Cost UAV Swarming Technology). This directed energy weapon, mounted on a retractable platform at the rear of the Stryker’s hull, is designed to engage and neutralize UAS threats. According to Ed House, Senior Director of Business Development at Leonardo DRS, the system is capable of destroying drones in the Group 1, 2, and 3 categories. The U.S. military classifies these drones as weighing up to 1,320 pounds, capable of reaching altitudes of 18,000 feet, and speeds of 250 knots, highlighting the wide range of potential threats the C-UAS DE Stryker is equipped to handle.
The exact range of the LOCUST laser system has not been disclosed, but the inclusion of this technology reflects a broader trend within military circles towards developing directed energy systems that offer significant advantages over traditional kinetic weapons. One of the key benefits of laser weapons is their “unlimited magazine depth,” a term frequently used in reference to their capacity to engage multiple targets without needing to reload, unlike traditional missile or gun systems. This capability is especially important in scenarios where UAS threats might emerge in large numbers or swarms, as lasers provide a cost-effective solution to engage each target, with each shot costing significantly less than conventional interceptors.
In addition to the directed energy weapon, the C-UAS DE Stryker is equipped with a host of other systems designed to enhance its counter-drone capabilities. On the left side of the rear hull, a four-round launcher from Arnold Defense is mounted, capable of firing 70mm laser-guided Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) rockets. This is a feature that has become increasingly common in counter-drone systems, including those currently being deployed in Ukraine. These rockets are being further enhanced with new proximity-fuzed warheads, specifically optimized for engaging UAS targets. The use of APKWS II rockets, combined with the directed energy system, allows the C-UAS DE Stryker to engage drones at various ranges and with different engagement profiles, giving commanders more flexibility in how they handle drone threats.
To further bolster its anti-drone arsenal, the Stryker is also equipped with an EOS R400-series remote weapon station, which includes a 30mm XM914 automatic cannon and a 7.62x51mm M240B machine gun. The XM914 cannon, manufactured by Northrop Grumman, has been designed with counter-drone operations in mind and can fire proximity-fuzed shells, adding another layer of capability in the fight against drones. Northrop Grumman has also recently introduced a dual-feed system for the XM914, allowing operators to switch between different types of ammunition, such as proximity rounds for drones and armor-piercing rounds for ground targets, further enhancing the flexibility of the system.
Beyond its kinetic and directed energy weapons, the C-UAS DE Stryker is also packed with sensors and tracking systems to help identify, classify, and track UAS threats. BlueHalo has supplied a Titan SV system, a radio frequency sensor designed to detect and track hostile drones. This system is complemented by the Next-Gen Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radars (nMHR), which are small active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars capable of providing 360-degree coverage. These sensors are crucial for detecting drones that may be operating at low altitudes or utilizing evasive flight patterns to avoid detection.
The promotional materials released by Leonardo DRS also allude to other technologies incorporated into the Stryker, such as the “HMS” antenna at the rear of the vehicle. While the exact function of this system remains unclear, it could be related to communication or networking capabilities, which are critical in modern battlefield environments. The ability to share targeting data with other units or receive information from off-board sensors could be a significant force multiplier, allowing the C-UAS DE Stryker to operate as part of a larger networked defense system.
The inclusion of these advanced systems makes the C-UAS DE Stryker a versatile and powerful platform in the fight against drone threats. Its combination of directed energy weapons, kinetic interceptors, and advanced sensors allows it to engage a wide variety of UAS targets in multiple operational scenarios. However, the use of directed energy systems like the LOCUST laser is not without its challenges. Lasers are notoriously sensitive to environmental conditions such as rain, clouds, and smoke, which can reduce their effectiveness. The power of the laser also diminishes as it travels further from the source, meaning that engagement range is often limited by the power output of the system and the atmospheric conditions at the time.
Additionally, directed energy weapons require substantial power generation and cooling systems, which can present logistical challenges, especially in mobile platforms like the Stryker. These systems must balance the need for mobility with the high power demands of the laser, as well as the wear and tear that comes with operating in a tactical environment. This has been a significant issue for the U.S. Army’s Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD) program, which is developing a 50-kilowatt laser system for the Stryker platform. The DE M-SHORAD has faced challenges in integrating the high-power laser into a mobile vehicle, particularly with regard to heat dissipation and the overall reliability of the system in combat conditions.
Despite these challenges, the potential of directed energy weapons in counter-drone operations remains immense. The U.S. military has already deployed several prototype systems, including a 20-kilowatt version of the LOCUST, for field testing in overseas theaters. These early deployments are providing valuable data that will inform the development of future systems and help overcome some of the technical hurdles associated with directed energy weapons.
The development of systems like the C-UAS DE Stryker is part of a broader effort by the U.S. Army to expand and modernize its air defense capabilities. This includes a focus on shorter-range systems designed to protect ground forces from aerial threats, particularly drones. The Army’s M-SHORAD program, of which the C-UAS DE Stryker is a part, is a key component of this effort. The M-SHORAD family of systems is being developed in multiple increments, with the first increment focused on kinetic interceptors like Stinger missiles and the XM914 cannon, and later increments incorporating directed energy weapons like the LOCUST laser.
As the U.S. Army continues to refine its counter-drone strategy, the role of directed energy weapons is likely to expand. Lasers offer several advantages over traditional kinetic interceptors, particularly in terms of cost and magazine depth. Each shot from a laser costs only a fraction of the price of a missile or shell, and the ability to engage multiple targets without reloading is a significant advantage in high-threat environments. However, the technology is still in its early stages, and significant challenges remain in terms of reliability, power generation, and environmental sensitivity.
C-UAS DE Stryker
The C-UAS DE Stryker’s significance extends far beyond just its directed energy capabilities; it represents a broader shift within military technology where advanced integration of multiple subsystems provides a layered defense against an increasingly complex and diverse set of threats. This shift is particularly evident in the way modern armies, such as the U.S. Army, are responding to new battlefield dynamics driven by rapid advancements in drone technology, AI-enabled systems, and electronic warfare. The growing reliance on multi-domain operations underscores the need for systems like the C-UAS DE Stryker, which can seamlessly integrate within a larger network of assets, providing comprehensive situational awareness and dynamic threat response.
The Tactical Shift in Counter-Drone Systems
The rapid proliferation of commercial and military drones has highlighted vulnerabilities in traditional air defense systems. These drones, which can be outfitted with precision-guided munitions, electronic warfare systems, or even used as kamikaze vehicles, have become a focal point of asymmetric warfare tactics. Notably, their use in conflicts such as the Nagorno-Karabakh War and the ongoing war in Ukraine has provided real-world validation of the devastating potential of unmanned systems, both in small-scale insurgent operations and large-scale conventional warfare.
In response to this, militaries across the world, including the U.S., have been developing counter-drone systems that emphasize versatility and adaptability. The U.S. Army’s approach with systems like the C-UAS DE Stryker reflects a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond simply deploying a laser weapon. These systems are now designed to tackle a variety of threats through integrated approaches, which combine hard-kill and soft-kill methods. Soft-kill methods, such as jamming or using high-power microwaves to disable a drone’s electronics, offer a non-destructive way of neutralizing drones, especially in scenarios where collateral damage needs to be minimized.
Recent advances in electronic warfare (EW) are playing a critical role in this strategy. In the case of the C-UAS DE Stryker, its integration of radiofrequency sensors and next-generation radar systems not only helps to detect and classify UAS threats but also opens the possibility for electronic disruption. By employing systems such as BlueHalo’s Titan SV, which has advanced capabilities for intercepting communication links between drones and their operators, the C-UAS DE Stryker can disrupt the control signals, causing the drone to malfunction or crash. The synergy between electronic warfare, kinetic interceptors, and directed energy makes the C-UAS DE Stryker a formidable platform in a rapidly evolving domain.
Directed Energy and Power Management Challenges
One of the central challenges of directed energy systems, particularly in a mobile platform like the Stryker, is power management. Generating enough power to sustain high-energy laser engagements while maintaining the vehicle’s mobility and combat-readiness is a delicate balance. A directed energy system, such as the 26-kilowatt LOCUST laser in the C-UAS DE Stryker, requires robust power generation and cooling systems to function effectively. To address this challenge, defense contractors have been experimenting with new power generation technologies, including hybrid-electric drives and advanced battery systems. These developments are crucial for maintaining sustained operations without the need for frequent recharging or refueling.
In recent years, the U.S. military has been exploring alternative energy solutions to meet the growing power demands of directed energy weapons. Among these are solid-state batteries and fuel cells, which provide a higher energy density and longer operational life compared to traditional power sources. Additionally, the use of modular power systems allows platforms like the Stryker to scale their energy output based on mission requirements. For example, in lower-intensity engagements, the system could reduce its energy consumption by relying more on kinetic interceptors like the APKWS II rockets, while in high-threat environments, it could ramp up power to sustain continuous laser operations.
Cooling is another critical factor in the operational effectiveness of directed energy weapons. High-energy lasers generate significant amounts of heat, which can degrade the system’s performance and reduce its longevity if not managed properly. Advances in thermal management systems, such as liquid cooling and advanced heat dissipation materials, have been at the forefront of directed energy development. Companies like Leonardo DRS have been working on integrating compact yet efficient cooling systems that allow the laser to maintain its performance even in harsh battlefield conditions. This is particularly important in regions like the Middle East, where U.S. forces are often deployed, and where high temperatures can exacerbate thermal challenges.
Threats Beyond Traditional UAS: Hypersonic and Swarming Drones
While the C-UAS DE Stryker is primarily focused on countering traditional UAS threats, emerging drone technologies present new challenges that require even more advanced countermeasures. One of these threats is the development of hypersonic drones, which can travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, making them incredibly difficult to track and intercept. Though not yet widely deployed, hypersonic drones are being actively developed by major powers like Russia and China. Their extreme speed, combined with maneuverability, presents a significant challenge for current radar and missile systems, which may not have sufficient reaction time to engage these threats.
To address this, the U.S. Army is exploring the use of more powerful directed energy systems, potentially in the 100-kilowatt range, which would offer the ability to engage hypersonic targets before they reach critical infrastructure or military assets. These systems would require significant advancements in power generation and beam control, as well as improvements in atmospheric compensation technologies to ensure the laser’s effectiveness over longer distances and at higher altitudes. In parallel, high-power microwave (HPM) systems are being explored as a possible solution to disrupt the electronics of hypersonic drones, causing them to lose control before they reach their intended target.
Swarming drones present another critical threat that the C-UAS DE Stryker, and systems like it, must contend with. Swarming involves the coordinated use of multiple drones to overwhelm a defense system through sheer numbers, making it difficult to neutralize all threats before they reach their targets. This tactic is being increasingly explored by state and non-state actors alike, due to its effectiveness in overwhelming traditional defense systems. Swarming drones can be used to target key military infrastructure, disrupt logistics, or attack personnel.
The key to countering drone swarms lies in the ability to track and engage multiple targets simultaneously. The C-UAS DE Stryker’s array of AESA radars and radiofrequency sensors provide it with the ability to track numerous drones at once. However, engagement remains a challenge, particularly with limited ammunition for kinetic interceptors. Directed energy weapons offer a promising solution here, as they can engage multiple targets without the need for reloading. To maximize their effectiveness, the U.S. Army is investigating the potential for using artificial intelligence (AI) to help prioritize targets within a swarm and allocate resources more efficiently.
AI-enabled systems can analyze the behavior of a drone swarm, predict its trajectory, and suggest the optimal engagement strategy. For instance, AI could determine which drones in the swarm pose the most immediate threat and direct the laser system to engage those first. Moreover, the use of AI in conjunction with electronic warfare systems could allow the C-UAS DE Stryker to disrupt the swarm’s communication network, causing it to lose coordination and making individual drones easier to neutralize.
The Geopolitical Implications of Directed Energy Adoption
The rise of directed energy weapons, such as the LOCUST system in the C-UAS DE Stryker, also has significant geopolitical implications. The U.S. military’s investment in these technologies is not occurring in isolation; other major powers, including China, Russia, and Iran, are also advancing their own directed energy and counter-drone capabilities. This has led to a kind of technological arms race, where each nation is striving to gain the upper hand in this new domain of warfare.
China, in particular, has been making significant strides in directed energy technology. Reports of Chinese-made laser systems being deployed in various regions, including Tehran, highlight the global nature of the competition in this field. Chinese defense contractors have been working on their own versions of laser weapons, which, on paper, appear to have similar capabilities to the U.S. systems. These include mobile platforms capable of neutralizing UAS threats and even engaging low-orbit satellites. This presents a challenge for U.S. military planners, as it indicates that adversaries are actively developing countermeasures to U.S. dominance in directed energy.
Russia, too, has been advancing its directed energy programs, with a particular focus on integrating these systems into its air defense and missile systems. Russian media has reported on tests of laser systems capable of neutralizing drones and other aerial threats, though the exact capabilities of these systems remain unclear. However, given Russia’s history of using drones in conflicts such as in Ukraine and Syria, it is clear that Moscow views directed energy as a critical component of its future military strategy.
In the Middle East, Iran’s efforts to develop and deploy counter-drone capabilities, including directed energy systems, are of particular concern to the U.S. and its allies. Iran’s ability to produce low-cost drones, combined with its willingness to export these systems to proxy groups, has made it a key player in the drone warfare landscape. The presence of Chinese-made laser systems in Tehran suggests a growing collaboration between Iran and other technologically advanced nations in the development of counter-drone systems.
The increasing availability of directed energy technology, especially as it becomes more cost-effective, is likely to spur further proliferation of these systems. This raises concerns about the potential for these weapons to be used in conflicts between non-state actors, terrorist organizations, or rogue regimes, further complicating global security dynamics.
A New Era in Defense Systems
The C-UAS DE Stryker represents the forefront of modern counter-drone defense technology. Its integration of directed energy weapons, kinetic interceptors, and advanced sensor suites highlights the U.S. military’s commitment to staying ahead of emerging threats. However, as drone technology continues to evolve, so too must the systems designed to counter them. The challenges posed by hypersonic drones, swarming tactics, and the growing capabilities of adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran underscore the need for continuous innovation in the directed energy field.
Moving forward, the U.S. Army and its partners in the defense industry must focus on overcoming the remaining technical hurdles associated with directed energy systems, particularly in terms of power management, cooling, and atmospheric conditions. Furthermore, integrating AI and electronic warfare capabilities into these systems will be crucial in ensuring that they can effectively counter the increasingly sophisticated threats posed by drones.
As global competition in directed energy technology intensifies, the development of systems like the C-UAS DE Stryker will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of warfare. With the ability to engage multiple types of aerial threats, from small commercial drones to hypersonic vehicles, directed energy systems are set to become a cornerstone of modern air defense strategies. The next decade will undoubtedly see even more advancements in this field, as militaries around the world race to develop the most effective and reliable counter-drone systems.