Image source: topwar.ru
On the territory of Iraq, units of the American army have deployed three DE M-SHORAD laser short-range air defense systems, which are designed to repel attacks by unmanned aerial vehicles, mines and rockets.
As you know, in September 2023, the first experimental short–range air defense unit equipped with 50 kW laser installations was created as part of the American army - a separate platoon consisting of the 4th battalion of the 60th Air Defense Artillery Regiment.
Now in Iraq, they just have to check how effective such complexes are during combat operations, especially in repelling attacks by small drones. Such drones are actively used by various armies of the world and radical groups.
Image source: topwar.ru
DE M-SHORAD (Direct Energy Maneuver SHOrt RAnge Air Defense – Maneuverable energy weapon of short-range air defense) has a power of 50 kW. This weapon was developed by Raytheon. The complex is placed on the chassis of a wheeled armored personnel carrier (APC) Stryker, it is armed with a 30 mm automatic cannon and anti-aircraft guided missiles (SAM) Stinger).
Earlier, the American press reported that mass production of such complexes will begin in 2025. Probably, various tests, including in Iraq, will allow the developer company to draw certain conclusions about what else needs to be supplemented in this air defense system, how to improve it so that it shows high performance on the battlefield.