US Army Set to Officially Adopt Laser Weapons in Historic Deal
Original: Landmark Deal Would Officially Add Laser Weapons to US Army Arsenal
Why This Matters
This deal would mark the US military's first large-scale commitment to directed energy weapons, reshaping drone defense strategy.
The Pentagon is poised to sign a first-of-its-kind contract for 'Enduring High Energy Laser' systems to defend military bases worldwide from drone attacks, marking the first time the US military has committed to deploying laser weapons at scale, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The US Army is preparing to sign a landmark contract to acquire and rapidly deploy Enduring High Energy Laser (EHEL) systems at bases around the world, primarily to counter the growing threat of drone attacks. The announcement could come as early as the week of August 4, 2026. Former Air Force chief scientist Mark J. Lewis told WIRED: 'For years, lasers were going to be the future, and they never really came to their own. Now, they're actually coming to their own.' The move is driven in part by cost-effectiveness concerns highlighted in recent conflicts — the US has fired $4 million Patriot missiles to intercept $35,000 Iranian drones. Unlike traditional interceptors, laser weapons do not deplete ammunition stocks and can fire continuously as long as power is available. The US military currently has roughly a half-dozen laser systems either deployed or under active testing. The Navy has installed laser 'dazzlers' on two ships; the Air Force's European and African command has deployed Boeing's Compact Laser Weapons System; and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attended a directed-energy demonstration at White Sands, New Mexico in late June. Not all deployments have been successful — four Raytheon laser vehicles were pulled from the Middle East after poor soldier reviews, and an AeroVironment border laser accidentally shot down a Border Patrol drone in February 2026.