BlueHalo Wins U.S. Navy Directed Energy Laser Weapons Contract

Recently, the U.S. Navy's Office of Naval Research and Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, signed a new initiative to build a prototype high-energy laser directed-energyto increase the lethality of its Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV).
Last Thursday local time, the Marine Corps has awarded a contract for a high-energy lasercompatible with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) to US-based technology company BlueHalo.BlueHalo said the solution for this partnership will be the LOCUST lasersystem, capable of providing combatants with an advanced mobile air defense system to counter the threat of drones.
The company will reportedly adapt its LOCUST lasersystem for integration into the Marine Corps' Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, giving warfighters advanced maneuverable air defense capabilities for more effective ground-based air defense.
Trip Ferguson, an officer at BlueHalo, said, "With superior target capture, tracking and strike capabilities and broad adaptability in fixed-site and mobile applications, the LOCUST laser system is the perfect solution for rapid integration into systems such as the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) to solve customers' most complex challenges. We are proud to be an industry leader in directed energy technology and honored that the U.S. Navy has entrusted BlueHalo with this critical capability."
The U.S. Marine Corps is launching full production of its Maritime Air Defense Integrated System, with a focus on ground air defense modernization efforts. The company said it will work with the Naval Surface Warfare Center's systems integration team to ensure compatibility and conduct live-fire testing.
"Threat protection on the move."
BlueHalo's LOCUSTsystem combines precision optics and laser hardware with advanced software, artificial intelligence and processing to enable a directed-energy "kill chain," which includes tracking, identifying and engaging a variety of targets using its hard-kill HEL.
It also has artificial intelligence to help identify, track and utilize its "hard kill" HELs against a variety of targets. According to James Batt, the company's chief development officer, thehas been installed for ground protection at fixed locations. But it is also being used to support mobile defenses.
Its integration into a light tactical vehicle (JLTV) will reportedly provide thewith enhanced threat protection while on the move.LOCUST is a highly advanced and adaptable lasersolution. It is built on a modular, open system architecture comprised of high technology readiness levels, commercial off-the-shelf products and sensors.
James Batt, BlueHalo's Chief Growth Officer, said, "Customers continue to choose BlueHalo primarily for our proven defense technology and ability to quickly turn innovations into mature prototypes and into full-speed production."