The US Army is testing Stryker combat vehicles with laser fire capabilities. Experts in the Army have integrated two Strykers with 50kW “laser” weapons capabilities and support equipment. The US Army has indicated that the modified “Strykers” will be tested in various scenarios in a combat shooting event to determine the requirements of this class of lasers. The US army source continued: “The result will then be evaluated to determine one of the two laser systems to proceed with the production of more prototypes.” This step is part of a larger program to explore new technologies that help protect Ground forces and equipment against “a growing number of threats” that include unmanned aircraft systems, missiles, artillery and mortars, surveillance and reconnaissance systems. The United States expects to introduce the first laser vehicles for field operation by fiscal year 2022.
