Copyright defence-blog
The U.S. Army is moving ahead with plans to develop and produce a new high-energy laser system aimed at countering unmanned aerial systems (UAS), according to a newly published Request for Information (RFI) by the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO). The system, designated the Enduring High Energy Laser (E-HEL), is intended to provide a hard-kill solution against Group 1 and Group 2 drones, and one-way attack Group 3 UAS. The RFI outlines the Army’s goal of acquiring up to 20 E-HEL units using a modular open systems approach (MOSA) and field-proven laser and beam control technology. The Directed Energy Project Office (DEPO), which operates under RCCTO, said it is seeking potential industry partners with experience in manufacturing sophisticated laser weapon systems, component integration, and supply chain management. The selected contractors would need to support both semi-fixed and mobile configurations, with the system designed to be mounted on the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) or deployed as a palletized unit. According to the Army, the E-HEL system must be capable of engaging drones under both clear and cluttered battlefield conditions. It will rely on cues from external Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD) systems and will be required to meet mobility and air-transport standards, including compatibility with C-17 aircraft. Industry participants will be expected to demonstrate capabilities on a U.S. government test range if they lack recent government-witnessed performance data. The DEPO plans to assess each submission’s laser quality, tracking performance, and lethality against target drones. Vendors without recent live demonstrations must schedule participation in a series of upcoming events at Dugway Proving Ground in December 2025 and January 2026. The Army clarified that this RFI is not a solicitation for proposals and that no contract award is guaranteed. However, responses may influence the structure and scope of a competitive source selection anticipated in fiscal year 2026. Companies interested in submitting information have until November 21, 2025, to respond. The Army stated that subsystem interfaces for E-HEL will carry Government Purpose Rights (GPR) and will be aligned with the DEWS MOSA Reference Architecture guidance published in June 2022. Materials submitted must be unclassified and properly marked, with limited provisions for classified annexes if needed. Contractors must also possess a Secret facility clearance and be able to manage multiple weapon system integration projects simultaneously. The Army expects respondents to provide documentation on company capabilities, experience with similar projects, quality assurance practices, and subcontractor relationships. The review process may involve Contractor Support Personnel (CSP), including employees from companies such as SAIC, Torch Technologies, Intuitive Research, and others. The RFI explicitly states that CSP firms involved in the evaluation will not be eligible to compete in any future acquisition under this program. While the RFI itself does not obligate the government to procure the E-HEL system, it serves as an important milestone in the Pentagon’s broader push to field directed energy weapons that can reduce the cost and logistics burden of missile-based air defense. For U.S. forces, especially in areas of contested airspace, directed energy systems like E-HEL could provide a scalable and sustainable way to maintain freedom of movement and protect forward-deployed units from aerial surveillance or precision attacks.
