The US Army at the Yuma test site in Arizona tested a short-range laser air defense (air defense) system created as part of the Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD) program. It is reported by Defense News.
The publication writes that during testing of a 50-kilowatt laser mounted on a Stryker armored vehicle, several unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down. However, according to Defense News, some problems remained with the interception of missiles and artillery shells.
Testing of the laser system is planned to continue in the current and next quarters, and in the fourth quarter, the US Army will begin developing tactics, methods and procedures for using the DE M-SHORAD.
In May, Popular Mechanics magazine, citing a Raytheon press release, reported that during tests at the US Army White Sands Proving Ground in New Mexico, a laser system designed to protect ground troops from drones and aircraft successfully shot down several artillery mines in flight.