The US Army will install the 300 kW Valkyrie laser weapon produced by Lockheed Martin on Stryker combat vehicles. This installation will provide protection against a wide range of threats such as drones, missiles and aircraft due to its high shooting accuracy. Currently, the US military uses less powerful lasers such as the Guardian Directed Energy and Short Range Air Defense System, which have a maximum output power of 50 kW.

The Valkyrie laser system is designed to be deployed on mobile ground platforms to provide 360-degree protection against airborne threats. Integration of data from laser systems into air and missile defense battle control systems using the Sentinel radar will increase short-range air defense capabilities.

The company Lockheed Martin reported that the laser installation will provide greater efficiency compared to conventional anti-aircraft means and will demonstrate the low cost of its operation, although the system itself is not cheap. But the bullet does not require costs for its production and can be used “forever”.

The US military is looking for ways to integrate laser and directed energy systems into various platforms as quickly as possible. The main purpose is to provide comprehensive protection of troops and protect critical infrastructure against threats from the air.