The U.S. Army plans to select a few teams by early 2025 to compete in developing its Enduring High Energy Laser (HEL) system for short-range air defense.

A winner will be chosen in early fiscal 2026 to build the system, following ongoing evaluations of various laser prototypes, including 10-, 20-, 50-, and 300-kilowatt options.

The Army has already deployed 50-kilowatt laser prototypes and is learning how to sustain these systems in challenging environments, Defense News has reported.

Additional prototypes from Lockheed Martin and nLight will also be evaluated in the coming years to enhance the Army’s laser defense capabilities.

Written by B.C. Begley