Primary “targets of interest” that the service might want to zap include aerial and maritime drones.

“If we can’t do something about the enemy’s UAS and do it rapidly, then we’re not going to be successful at continuing to maneuver,” one commander said.

The initiative aims to speed the delivery of new tech to the services and combatant commands.

Defense officials have long-touted the benefits of directed energy systems such as their high-speed engagement, low cost-per-shot and deep magazines.

Officials hailed the deal as a major step in the military alliance's digital transformation.

The announcement comes as the Marines and other U.S. military components are moving to ramp up their drone and counter-drone arsenals.

The task order will be executed under a new $500 million IDIQ contract.

The Pentagon announcement about the award listed Army Contracting Command Detroit Arsenal in Michigan as the contracting activity.

The service requested $233.6 million for the MRIC program in fiscal 2027, according to budget documents, and plans to fully equip three batteries within the next three…

The service is also planning to establish a range abroad where the Army and industry “can start to do much more aggressive testing,” Army Secretary Dan Driscoll…