The US Air Forces in Europe–Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) has deployed the Compact Laser Weapon System to undisclosed locations across Europe.
While the system’s technical specifications were not specified, the service said the directed-energy weapon operates as part of an integrated air defense architecture that enables operators to identify suspicious aircraft before selecting the appropriate countermeasure.
It forms part of a layered air defense network combining laser weapons, electronic warfare, and kinetic interceptors to protect military installations against drone threats, Stars and Stripes reported.
“We have equipped and trained our personnel with enhanced systems, and installation commanders have the authority and responsibility to defend our forces,” stated USAFE-AFAFRICA Commander Lt. Gen. Jason Hinds.
The deployment comes amid growing concerns over drone incursions near sensitive military installations and industrial sites across Europe, including US bases that house nuclear weapons.
According to analysts from the International Institute of Strategic Studies, suspected Russian drones launched from its shadow fleet have conducted surveillance for over 18 months at military installations and airports across Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and the UK.
Anti-Drone Laser Weapons
The US military has been developing and testing several counter-drone capabilities to address the cost imbalance of using expensive weapons to defeat cheap uncrewed aerial vehicles.
Among the technologies under testing is the LOCUST from AV, as well as the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, which uses laser-guided 70mm rockets as a lower-cost option for defeating drones.
