In a historic move that marks a new era in military technology, the U.S. Army has conducted its first operational test of laser weapons in a live-fire setting. On June 27, 2025, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 60th Air Defense Artillery Regiment successfully tested the Directed Energy Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD) system—an advanced laser-based air defense platform mounted on the Stryker A1 8x8 armored vehicle.
This live-fire exercise is the most advanced demonstration yet of directed energy (DE) systems being used in realistic battlefield scenarios. Soldiers used the 50-kilowatt class high-energy laser to engage and neutralize a swarm of Group 1–3 unmanned aerial systems (UAS)—small to medium-sized drones that pose a growing threat on modern battlefields.
What is DE M-SHORAD?
Known as the "Guardian," the DE M-SHORAD system is part of the Army’s broader Multi-Mission High Energy Laser (MMHEL) program. It brings together a suite of cutting-edge technologies:
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A 50 kW high-energy laser developed by Raytheon Technologies
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Ku720 radar for detection and tracking
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Electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems for targeting
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Advanced power management and thermal cooling systems provided by Kord Technologies
The system is mounted on the Stryker A1, a vehicle known for its Double-V Hull (DVH) design, which provides enhanced protection from mines and IEDs. Its Caterpillar C9 engine (450 horsepower) powers both mobility and the demanding energy requirements of the laser system. Energy is stored in Li-NCA (lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide) batteries, which are recharged by onboard diesel generators—enabling sustained laser operations on the move.
A Layered, Scalable Defense
The Fort Sill exercise highlighted how laser systems can work alongside traditional kinetic air defense units, such as those using missiles and guns. This layered approach provides redundancy and greater flexibility in engaging diverse aerial threats, including:
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Drones (UAS)
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Rotary and fixed-wing aircraft
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Rockets, artillery shells, and mortars (C-RAM threats)
Unlike traditional systems, laser weapons offer almost unlimited ammunition, with each shot costing only the electricity required to fire it. This makes them especially effective against drone swarms, which can overwhelm conventional defenses.
Real Troops, Real Tactics
Importantly, the demonstration wasn’t just about technology—it was about integrating this new capability into real-world military operations. Soldiers practiced making rapid engagement decisions, managing multiple threats at once, and using a mix of laser and kinetic responses based on evolving battlefield conditions. These tests are feeding directly into the Army’s FY26 Enduring High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program, which aims to make directed energy a formal, long-term component of Army doctrine.
Why This Matters
Directed energy systems like DE M-SHORAD represent a transformational shift in how the military approaches air defense. As drone warfare becomes increasingly common and adversaries rely on low-cost, high-volume aerial attacks, laser systems offer:
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Speed-of-light response
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Pinpoint accuracy
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Minimal collateral damage
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Reduced logistics and maintenance
By adopting laser technology now, the U.S. Army is positioning itself ahead of the curve, building a force that can adapt quickly to changing threats and defend key assets without relying solely on missile stockpiles.
The successful use of the DE M-SHORAD system marks a critical turning point: laser weapons are no longer experimental—they are operational. The live-fire at Fort Sill proved that directed energy can and will play a front-line role in future combat. As these systems mature, the U.S. Army will be better prepared to face a drone-saturated battlefield with precision, resilience, and reduced cost.
In short, the battlefield of tomorrow is arriving fast—and it’s armed with lasers.
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