Army Looking to Deliver Laser-Equipped Stryker Vehicles in FY2022

The Army is on track to field its Directed Energy-Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense system, which will be equipped onto Stryker infantry carrier vehicles.

Marcia Holmes, deputy director of hypersonics, directed energy, space and rapid acquisition at the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, told reporters that the service is committed to maintaining its expedited project schedule through rapid prototyping, noting that the first iteration may not be the absolute perfect solution.

According to Holmes, the plan is to deliver four prototype Stryker vehicles integrated with the lasers in fiscal year 2022, National Defense Magazine reported.

The DE-M SHORAD laser, Holmes said, can protect brigade combat teams against unmanned aircraft systems, rotary- and fixed-wing threats and rocket artillery and mortars.

Soldiers recently concluded a summer exercise at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, where they used a laser-equipped Stryker for a shoot-off.

Speaking with reporters, Army Col. Scott McLeod said participating soldiers “were trained to safely operate the system and negotiate scenarios using a crawl, walk, run training approach.”

He noted that soldiers were able to demonstrate proficiency in using the DE-M SHORAD weapons system within days.

The Army has been busy with Stryker vehicle upgrades as of late. 

In June, the service tapped Oshkosh Defense to integrate the 30mm Medium Caliber Weapon System onto Stryker Double V Hull Infantry Carrier Vehicles across three Stryker brigade combat teams. The upgrade is expected to result in improved lethality, accuracy and range, Oshkosh said.