Image source: topwar.ru
Developed as part of the Army's high-energy laser prototyping program (IFPC-HEL) and dubbed "Valkyrie", the system can generate pulses with a power of up to 300 kW. It was designed to protect American troops from approaching unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles.
The power of the Valkyrie at 300 kW significantly exceeds the power of other laser weapons in the arsenal of the US Army. For comparison, the army's DE M-SHORAD short-range air defense system installed on a Stryker car, dubbed "Guardian", reaches a power of 50 kW. Although, even this was enough to resist the approaching drones, helicopters, as well as missiles.
Another representative of this class of weapons is a high-energy laser of the US Navy with a built-in optical dazzler and a HELIOS surveillance system, currently installed on board several Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. It generates a power of about 60 kW, which is enough to disable small naval vessels, but not enough to burn through the nose fairings of approaching cruise missiles.
Lockheed Martin will supply the army with four Valkyrie systems under a new contract. According to a Congressional Research Service report for August 2023, the service plans to receive these systems in the third quarter of 2025.
From a practical point of view, the Valkyrie will provide protection for American troops from various threats from the air.
"Valkyrie" is loaded into a heavy tactical cross-country truck.