Leonardo DRS unveils breakthrough anti-drone laser at AUSA 2024
The American division of Leonardo DRS showcased the latest version of its anti-aircraft and anti-drone Stryker at the AUSA 2024 trade show. This laser weapon can combat three targets simultaneously.
8:16 AM EDT, October 19, 2024
At the AUSA 2024 trade show, held from October 14-16, Leonardo DRS, an American company, received a $77 million contract from General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS). This contract involves integrating a new weapons package into the Stryker A1 IM-SHORAD anti-aircraft system, recently designated as SGT Stout.
The new weapons module will significantly enhance effectiveness and reduce kill costs. The latter metric is particularly important for drones, costing as little as $1,000.
The future of anti-aircraft Stryker SGT Stout — three systems in one
Leonardo DRS is developing a new weapons package for SGT Stout, including a Locust laser weapon with a power output of 26 kilowatts. This laser can destroy small drones from approximately 0.6 miles or more. The weapon is also equipped with an XM914 30 mm automatic cannon with a range of 1.2-1.5 miles and a launcher for laser-guided APKWS missiles, which can hit targets up to 3.7 miles away.
The presentation demonstrated how the laser eliminated an FPV drone in just a few seconds. Despite the high purchase cost and significant energy supply challenges, the greatest advantage of the laser weapon is its unit cost of shooting down a target, which is just a few cents.
Using programmable ammunition from the 30 mm automatic cannon costs $1,000 per round, while an APKWS missile costs over $13,000 each. This remains cost-effective compared to a single FIM-92 Stinger missile, which costs several hundred thousand dollars.
Powerful laser from the USA
This system allows for layered protection in the event of a swarm of drones—the first response uses rockets with a shrapnel range of up to 492 feet. Next, the automatic cannon destroys any surviving targets, with the remaining threats finished off by the laser. In the case of a small-scale attack, all intruders can be destroyed with the low-cost laser, conserving more valuable weapons for more challenging targets.
It's worth noting that the SGT Stout is equipped with four fixed radar antennas utilizing AESA technology, allowing for constant 360-degree airspace observation. These radars are designed to detect even the smallest drones, and the fire control system enables rapid target categorization and optimal weapon system selection.
