Image source: topwar.ru
The first prototypes of the latest SHORAD short-range air defense system with a 50-kilowatt laser have entered service with the US Army, the press service of the Ground Forces reports on its website.
Raytheon has supplied the US Army with four prototypes of the DE M-SHORAD short-range air defense system. The complexes created on the basis of the Stryker armored personnel carrier were committed to the 4th Battalion of the 60th Air Defense Artillery Regiment at Fort Sill. The task of the military personnel will be comprehensive testing of new systems.
- said the head of the Department of Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies of the US Army, Colonel Gutierrez.
Image source: topwar.ru
As noted, the new complexes with a combat laser will be tested together with the M-SHORAD short-range air defense systems with kinetic weapons delivered to the battalion in July this year. The US Army Command intends to work out the algorithm of air defense when using conventional and laser weapons. The basic version of the M-SHORAD is also based on the Stryker A1 armored vehicles, but differs in armament. It has Raytheon Stinger and Hellfire rocket launchers, as well as 30 mm M230LF cannons with twin machine guns.
First of all, the M-SHORAD system is designed to combat drones, in addition, it is capable of countering aircraft and helicopters, as well as protecting units and facilities from rocket weapons, artillery and mortars.
