Leonardo DRS and BlueHalo Successfully Demonstrate New Counter-UAS Directed Energy Stryker, Shooting Down Drones in Live-Fire Engagement

Rhea-AI Summary

Leonardo DRS (NASDAQ: DRS) and BlueHalo have successfully demonstrated a new Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Directed Energy (DE) Stryker. The prototype, designed to defeat Group 1-3 UAS, was showcased in a live-fire demonstration for U.S. Army officials in Socorro, N.M. The C-UAS DE Stryker successfully destroyed multiple drones using BlueHalo's 26kW LOCUST Laser Weapon System and demonstrated near-simultaneous engagements with a 30mm remote weapon station.

The Stryker integrates kinetic and non-kinetic effectors, including EOS Defense Systems' USA R400 30mm RWS, BAE Systems' 2.75" Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, and BlueHalo's LOCUST LWS and Titan C-UAS™ technologies. The vehicle is fully integrated with the US Army's Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control network, ensuring interoperability with other Air Defense systems.

Positive

• Successful demonstration of C-UAS DE Stryker prototype
• Effective destruction of multiple drones in live-fire engagement
• Integration of multiple advanced technologies from industry partners
• Rapid development and testing completed in just eight months
• Interoperability with US Army's existing air defense systems

Negative

• None.

Insights

Defense Technology Analyst

The successful demonstration of the Counter-UAS Directed Energy Stryker represents a significant advancement in mobile air defense capabilities. This system combines multiple kinetic and non-kinetic technologies to effectively counter Group 1-3 UAS threats, addressing a critical need in modern warfare.

Key points of impact:

• Rapid development: From concept to demonstration in just 8 months, showcasing agile innovation in the defense sector.
• Multi-layered approach: Integration of various technologies (laser, radar, remote weapon station) provides versatile threat response.
• Proven effectiveness: 100% success rate in destroying drones during the demonstration.
• Interoperability: Fully integrated with the US Army's FAAD C2 network, enhancing overall air defense capabilities.

For Leonardo DRS ($7.65B market cap), this project demonstrates their ability to lead complex integrations and could potentially lead to significant contract opportunities with the U.S. Army. The collaboration with multiple industry partners also positions DRS as a key player in the evolving C-UAS market.

Military Technology Expert

The C-UAS Directed Energy Stryker represents a paradigm shift in mobile air defense. Its ability to engage both aerial and ground threats simultaneously with diverse weapon systems is a game-changer for battlefield versatility.

Critical features:

• BlueHalo's 26kW LOCUST Laser Weapon System: Provides precision engagement against small drones, a growing threat in modern conflicts.
• Kinetic options: 30mm remote weapon station and 2.75" guided rockets offer flexible response capabilities.
• Advanced radar: DRS' RPS-92 nMHR enables long-range detection and continuous tracking.

The system's modular design and integration with existing Army networks suggest a cost-effective upgrade path for current Stryker fleets. This could translate to substantial long-term value for both Leonardo DRS and the U.S. Army, potentially influencing future defense procurement strategies and tactical doctrines.

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRS) and BlueHalo announced today the successful live-fire demonstration of a new Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Directed Energy (DE) Stryker designed to defeat Group 1-3 UAS with multiple kinetic and non-kinetic defeat technologies.

The Counter-UAS Directed Energy Stryker (Photo Courtesy: Leonardo DRS)

During last month’s demonstration for U.S. Army officials in Socorro, N.M., the mobile C-UAS capability successfully destroyed numerous drones using BlueHalo’s 26kW LOCUST Laser Weapon System. Additionally, the demonstration included near-simultaneous C-UAS and ground engagements with the laser and a 30mm remote weapon station (RWS). The C-UAS DE Stryker successfully destroyed every drone over the two-day demonstration.

Leonardo DRS has deep experience in developing, integrating, and fielding mobile air defense and C-UAS solutions for the U.S. Army, The demonstration is the latest step in a process that started with the company identifying the need for a directed energy multi-layered mobile C-UAS system built around best of breed technologies from strong partners.

“In just eight months, Leonardo DRS and our outstanding industry partners designed, built, and tested this Stryker-based Directed Energy Counter-UAS prototype. We were able to move quickly by leveraging DRS’s proven experience building a cohesive team of partners to rapidly deliver air defense capabilities to the Army,” said Aaron Hankins, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Leonardo DRS Land Systems. “Our C-UAS Directed Energy Stryker is a future capability available to warfighters today, and we’re excited to display it during the 2024 AUSA Annual meeting.”

The Stryker includes two primary kinetic effectors - EOS Defense Systems’ USA R400 30mm RWS with Northrop Grumman’s XM914 cannon and BAE Systems’ 2.75” Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System fired from an Arnold Defense launcher. The on-board radar is DRS’ RPS-92 nMHR which provides long-range detection, continuous tracking, and weapon system cueing. As the lead vehicle integrator, DRS Land Systems worked across the coalition to integrate these capabilities.

Non-kinetic effectors include BlueHalo’s LOCUST LWS, which is stored inside the Stryker and deployed when a threat is detected. The 26-kilowatt LWS combines precision optical and laser hardware with advanced software and processing to enable and enhance the directed energy “kill chain”. It tracks, identifies, and defeats Group 1-3 UAS and other threats. In addition to the LOCUST LWS, the Stryker employs BlueHalo’s Titan C-UAS™ and Titan-SV non-kinetic technologies, delivering comprehensive 360° surveillance and threat detection and mitigation of Group 1 and 2 drone threats.

“BlueHalo’s LOCUST Laser Weapon System is operationally deployed, proven, and trusted. Its modularity and ease of integration across platforms makes it a great fit for the Stryker armored vehicle,” said Mary Clum, BlueHalo Portfolio President and Corporate Executive Vice President. “BlueHalo is thrilled to lean forward with our partners at Leonardo DRS and the incredible coalition of industry leaders that has come together. Our unique combination of operational know-how and innovation has enabled us to rapidly develop a critical capability that directly addresses the challenges our warfighters are facing daily in contested environments. We are excited to share this progress with customers and roll these systems out to the frontlines in support of our nation’s most critical missions.”

The C-UAS DE Stryker provides soldiers with the mobility, firepower, and protection required to maneuver, fight, and survive at the tactical level in contested environments. The Stryker has enhanced lethality to defeat ground and air threats, and it is fully integrated with the US Army’s Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) network, ensuring it is interoperable with other Air Defense systems.

The new C-UAS DE Stryker brings together innovative technologies from a coalition of industry partners. In addition to Leonardo DRS and BlueHalo, the coalition includes EOS Defense Systems USA, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Digital Systems Engineering, Arnold Defense, and AMPEX.

About Leonardo DRS

Headquartered in Arlington, VA, Leonardo DRS, Inc. is an innovative and agile provider of advanced defense technology to U.S. national security customers and allies around the world. We specialize in the design, development and manufacture of advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion, and other leading mission-critical technologies. Our innovative people are leading the way in developing disruptive technologies for autonomous, dynamic, interconnected, and multi-domain capabilities to defend against new and emerging threats. For more information and to learn more about our full range of capabilities, visit www.LeonardoDRS.com.

About BlueHalo

BlueHalo is purpose-built to provide industry-leading capabilities in the areas of Space, C-UAS and Autonomous Systems, Electronic Warfare & Cyber, and AI/ML. The company develops and brings to market next-generation capabilities to support customers’ critical missions and national security. Learn more at http://www.bluehalo.com and follow BlueHalo on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241013774234/en/

Leonardo DRS Investor Relations Contacts

Steve Vather

Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Finance

+1 703 409 2906

stephen.vather@drs.com

Leonardo DRS Media Contact

Michael Mount

Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs

+1 571 447 4624

mmount@drs.com

BlueHalo Media Contact

Ashley Young

Sr. Manager, Communications

+1 256.345.9394

ashley.young@bluehalo.com

Source: Leonardo DRS, Inc.

FAQ

What is the Counter-UAS Directed Energy Stryker demonstrated by Leonardo DRS (NASDAQ: DRS)?

The Counter-UAS Directed Energy Stryker is a new mobile system designed to defeat Group 1-3 unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) using multiple kinetic and non-kinetic technologies, including BlueHalo's 26kW LOCUST Laser Weapon System and a 30mm remote weapon station.

How did the C-UAS DE Stryker perform in the live-fire demonstration for Leonardo DRS (NASDAQ: DRS)?

The C-UAS DE Stryker successfully destroyed every drone over the two-day demonstration, showcasing its effectiveness in countering unmanned aircraft threats using both directed energy and kinetic weapons.

What key technologies are integrated into the C-UAS DE Stryker by Leonardo DRS (NASDAQ: DRS)?

The Stryker integrates BlueHalo's LOCUST Laser Weapon System, EOS Defense Systems' USA R400 30mm remote weapon station, BAE Systems' 2.75" Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, and BlueHalo's Titan C-UAS™ technologies for comprehensive threat detection and mitigation.

How long did it take Leonardo DRS (NASDAQ: DRS) to develop the C-UAS DE Stryker prototype?

Leonardo DRS and its industry partners designed, built, and tested the Stryker-based Directed Energy Counter-UAS prototype in just eight months, demonstrating rapid development and integration capabilities.