AMP-HEL High-Energy Laser

History

AMP-HEL, the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser, is a U.S. Army mobile directed-energy system developed to provide a hard-kill counter-unmanned aircraft capability. The first prototype increment combines AeroVironment's 20 kW-class LOCUST laser weapon system with the General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle.

The vehicle-mounted configuration is intended to give maneuvering forces a counter-UAS weapon that can move with deployed units instead of remaining tied to a fixed defensive position. The Army has identified Group 1 and Group 2 unmanned aircraft systems as targets for the 20 kW-class prototype.

The program remained in prototype assessment during the documented 2026 testing period. The September 2026 Fort Bliss activity evaluated the system in an operationally relevant training environment, but does not by itself establish routine operational fielding.

Development and prototype delivery

AeroVironment delivered the first two AMP-HEL mobile counter-UAS prototype systems to the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office in September 2025. These systems formed the first increment of the AMP-HEL prototyping effort and used LOCUST laser weapon systems integrated on General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicles.

The prototypes were integrated at AeroVironment's directed-energy manufacturing facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They then underwent government acceptance testing at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, where the evaluation covered performance, mobility, safety, and lethality. Army personnel subsequently conducted new-equipment training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

In September 2025, AeroVironment also described a second AMP-HEL increment planned around two Joint Light Tactical Vehicles equipped with 20 kW-class LOCUST laser weapon systems, radar, and command-and-control equipment. This represented a broader configuration than the first ISV-mounted increment.

Fort Bliss assessment

On September 16, 2026, U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the 1st Armored Division and Joint Task Force-Southern Border prepared an ISV-mounted AMP-HEL for assessment during an exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas. The activity was conducted in support of Operation Ardent Vanguard and placed the system in a training environment connected with missions along the U.S. southern border.

The assessment examined the laser's capabilities, mobility, and integration with other systems supporting counter-drone operations. It also gave soldiers an opportunity to evaluate how the vehicle-mounted weapon could be repositioned and employed as part of a layered defensive network.

Operational employment of the ISV-mounted AMP-HEL on the border is not established by the documented September 2026 Army assessment. The confirmed Fort Bliss activity was an exercise and evaluation rather than evidence of routine operational fielding.

Design

The first AMP-HEL increment integrates AeroVironment's LOCUST laser weapon system on the General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle. This arrangement places a 20 kW-class directed-energy weapon on a lightweight and highly mobile tactical vehicle.

The system is intended for counter-unmanned aircraft missions. Its laser provides a hard-kill option against Group 1 and Group 2 unmanned aircraft systems, allowing the weapon to physically disable or destroy a target rather than relying only on electronic disruption.

The ISV-mounted architecture emphasizes mobility and integration with maneuvering forces. The Fort Bliss assessment specifically examined how soldiers could reposition the system and use it alongside other capabilities supporting counter-UAS operations.

Laser weapon system

The weapon subsystem is the AeroVironment LOCUST laser weapon system in a 20 kW-class configuration. The available program information identifies performance, safety, mobility, lethality, precision tracking, and targeting as important elements of the prototype evaluation and development process.

Vehicle integration

The first increment uses the General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle as its carrier. Integrating the laser on the ISV is intended to provide an expeditionary counter-UAS capability that can accompany forces and be repositioned as operational requirements change.

Program status

AMP-HEL was undergoing soldier-level assessment during the documented September 2026 Fort Bliss exercise. The first two ISV-mounted prototypes had already completed integration, government acceptance testing, and Army new-equipment training following their delivery in 2025.

The program is part of the U.S. Army's effort to develop mobile directed-energy defenses against drones and other airborne threats. Soldier feedback from prototype activities is intended to support further refinement of the system.

Variants

• AMP-HEL first increment: Two prototype systems using 20 kW-class AeroVironment LOCUST laser weapon systems integrated on General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicles. The prototypes were delivered to the U.S. Army in September 2025.
• AMP-HEL second increment: A configuration described in 2025 around two Joint Light Tactical Vehicles carrying 20 kW-class LOCUST laser weapon systems together with radar and command-and-control equipment.

Specifications (AMP-HEL first increment)

General characteristics

• Type: Mobile high-energy laser counter-unmanned aircraft system.
• Laser weapon: AeroVironment LOCUST Laser Weapon System.
• Laser class: 20 kW-class.
• Carrier vehicle: General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle.
• Primary mission: Mobile counter-UAS defense.
• Target classes: Group 1 and Group 2 unmanned aircraft systems.
• Engagement method: Directed-energy hard kill.