New Suppliers Will Be Sought For U.S. Army Laser Weapon

The US Army and AeroVironment will reopen competition for components and subsystems within the Enduring-High Energy Laser programme, officials said at AUSA on October 12, 2026. AeroVironment received the first production contract on September 2 for the relocatable, 20 kW-class counter-drone laser, but the subsystem supply chain will remain open to additional bidders. The company is developing 11 interface-control documents for an Army-owned reference architecture intended to permit integration of compatible equipment from new suppliers. An industry briefing is planned for late October, with the competition intended to support production expansion and introduce improved components without replacing the prime contractor.