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Army

Army To Test Laser Weapons For Drone Defeat In FY ‘25, Plans Production Deal In FY ‘26

By Matthew Beinart

Monday, August 12th, 2024

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Army To Test Laser Weapons For Drone Defeat In FY ‘25, Plans Production Deal In FY ‘26

LOCUST laser weapon system for countering Group 1, 2 and 3 drones. Photo: AeroVironment

The Army has solicited white papers for high energy laser systems capable of taking out Groups 1 to 3-sized drones, with plans for prototype awards in fiscal year 2025 to test solutions. A new notice from the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) published last month detailed plans to find a directed energy solution capable of “seamlessly integrating” with the service’s air and missile defense architecture, with an aim to select a prime contractor in FY ‘26 for…

Congress

Trump Wants Second Reconciliation Bill On His Desk By June 1

President Donald Trump on Wednesday called on Congress to pass and send a second reconciliation bill to his desk by June 1. The deadline follows congressional Republicans’ backing a pursuit […]

Space

Upgrading Current GPS Ground System “Now a Viable Option,” As GPS OCX Problems Continue, Space Official Says

Upgrades to the GPS ground system–the Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP)–is an option under consideration by the Defense Department’s space acquisition chief, as problems continue in fielding the GPS Next Generation […]

Congress

Graham Says GOP To Move Ahead On Second Reconciliation Bill, With Defense Funds As Priority

Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Wednesday, with the White House’s backing, his panel will move “expeditiously” on crafting a second reconciliation bill, citing priorities for defense and […]

Pentagon

Hegseth Acknowledges Potential $200 Billion Iran Supplemental Request, Final Figure ‘Could Move’

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday acknowledged the Pentagon could potentially ask Congress for $200 billion in supplemental funding to support the ongoing operation against Iran and replenish munitions used […]