HII is Awarded Contract to Develop High-Energy Laser Weapon System for the US Army

Rhea-AI Summary

HII (NYSE: HII) announced that its Mission Technologies division has been selected to develop a High-Energy Laser (HEL) weapon system for the U.S. Army's Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO). The prototype will be designed to detect, track, and eliminate Groups 1-3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in multi-domain operations.

The system features versatile deployment options, supporting both fixed-site defense and Army vehicle integration. The project emphasizes a Modular Open Systems Approach architecture, focusing on interoperability, affordability, and scalability. Following field testing for safety and operational suitability, successful demonstration could lead to low-rate initial production through the Army's Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space.

Positive

• Secured new military contract for advanced weapon system development
• System design allows for multiple deployment options (fixed-site and vehicle-mounted)
• Potential for future production contract following successful demonstration
• Modular design enables future upgrades and modifications

Negative

• Revenue impact and contract value not disclosed
• Production timeline and volume uncertainty pending successful testing

MCLEAN, Va., March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII (NYSE: HII) announced today that its Mission Technologies division was selected to develop an open architecture High-Energy Laser (HEL) weapon system for the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO).

HII will develop and test a HEL prototype to acquire, track and destroy Groups 1-3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) used in multi-domain operations. The system will be capable of fixed-site defense and/or integration onto Army vehicles.

“We are proud to provide a critical enabler for the Army, delivering an effective, interoperable, sustainable and scalable system that will meet force protection requirements and support U.S. strategic objectives,” said Grant Hagen, president of Mission Technologies’ Warfare Systems group. “We look forward to collaborating with the RCCTO on this important effort that will protect the warfighter with an affordable counter-UAS solution.”

In addition to a HEL prototype system, HII will provide the data needed to compete subsystems and key components. Aligned to the system’s Modular Open Systems Approach architecture, this data directly supports Army’s objectives for interoperability, affordability, scalability, supply chain resilience and rapid innovation. The weapon system will allow the Army to interchange subsystems and software as the weapon evolves to meet national security demands.

An image accompanying this release is available at: http://hii.com/news/hii-is-awarded-contract-to-develop-high-energy-laser-weapon-system-for-the-us-army/.

The RCCTO awarded this Other Transaction agreement with the ultimate goal of transitioning to the U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space. As part of this process, HII’s prototype HEL will undergo field testing to evaluate its safety and operational suitability. Upon successful demonstration, the system is expected to transition into low-rate initial production.

About HII

HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII’s mission is to deliver the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.

As the nation’s largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit:

• HII on the web: https://www.HII.com/
• HII on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHII
• HII on X: https://www.twitter.com/WeAreHII
• HII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreHII

Contact:

Greg McCarthy
(202) 264-7126
gregory.j.mccarthy@hii-co.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f515400d-e855-4112-bccd-6758d1f6bde4

FAQ

What is the purpose of HII's new High-Energy Laser weapon system contract?

The HEL system will defend against Groups 1-3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in multi-domain operations, offering both fixed-site and vehicle-mounted defense capabilities for the U.S. Army.

What are the key features of HII's High-Energy Laser weapon system?

The system features open architecture design, modular components, interoperability capabilities, and can be deployed both as fixed-site defense or integrated onto Army vehicles.

What is the development timeline for HII's laser weapon system?

The system will undergo field testing for safety and operational suitability, with potential transition to low-rate initial production through the Army's Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space.

How does HII's laser weapon system support U.S. Army objectives?

The system supports Army objectives through interoperability, affordability, scalability, supply chain resilience, and rapid innovation capabilities using a Modular Open Systems Approach.