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AeroVironment Unveils Kestrel Mobile Laser Weapon Ahead of U.S. Army Competition

AeroVironment has revealed its new high-energy laser weapon system, named Kestrel, designed for mobile air defense. The system integrates a 10-kilowatt laser onto a vehicle to provide a Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) capability. Its primary mission is to counter small uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), a growing threat on the modern battlefield. The company developed Kestrel in anticipation of an upcoming U.S. Army competition for directed energy weapon systems. This technology offers a precise and cost-effective solution for protecting ground forces from enemy drones.

Official Source: https://aviationweek.com/defense/missile-defense-weapons/aerovironment-unveils-mobile-laser-ahead-us-army-competition