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doctrine-change2026-09-03 19:54 UTC🇺🇸 United States (contract award; testing referenced at White Sands Missile Range)
US Army awards $464.8M contract for E-HEL laser system to counter small drones
The U.S. Army awarded AeroVironment a $464.8 million production contract for the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program, intended to defeat small unmanned aircraft with a 30 kW laser. The announcement cites prior testing at White Sands Missile Range demonstrating counter-drone operations and enabling a safety agreement for domestic use.
DETAILS
Type
doctrine-change
Occurred
2026-09-03 19:54
Reported
2026-09-03
Location
United States (contract award; testing referenced at White Sands Missile Range)
Coordinates
39.7837, -100.4459
Confidence
78 / 100
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
No damage reported; procurement/fielding of directed-energy counter-UAS capability and reference to successful testing.
DRONES INVOLVED
SOURCES