The US military has just deployed the DE M-SHORAD laser Wealth System for the first time in a live-fire exercise in fort Sill, Oklahoma. This is considered an important step forward in the energy weapons integration strategy towards the US's modern air defense system.
The DE M-SHORAD system (short-range air defenses for energy control), also known as Guardian, is a 50kW laser weapon integrated directly into the Stryker A1 8x8 steel armoured vehicle. During the exercise, the system successfully destroyed targets such as small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), proving its effectiveness in combat conditions.
The technology was developed by Raytheon Technologies, including a beam controller, an optops and infrared target monitoring system, and a Ku720 multi-purpose radar. Operating power is provided by a Li-NCA battery charged via a diesel generator, ensuring continuity and flexibility in many combat situations.
DE M-SHORAD's laser system is not only effective in intercepting UAVs but also has the ability to disable missiles, artillery and mortars. This is a prominent strength, helping the system become a multi-purpose defense tool in the context of increasingly sophisticated and unpredictable air threats.
The Stryker A1 platform plays a key role in providing high survival against homemade explosives and mines. With a Caterpillar C9 engine with a capacity of 450 horsepower, this vehicle both ensures tactical mobility and maintains a stable power source for the effective laser system.
The implementation of DE M-SHORAD marked a shift in the US Army's defense thinking, as it gradually shifted from traditional bullet systems to oriented energy technology. The outstanding advantage of laser weapons is the ability to fire multiple times without charging a single round, which opens up significant savings in prolonged clashes with small and difficult-to-detect targets such as UAVs.
The US's successful testing of the system promises to promote future air defense modernization, while warning of rapid changes in the modern battlefield, where energy technology may prevail.
