US Forces in The Middle East Get Laser Rocket Anti-Drone System Protection

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The US armed forces are planning to get MSI’s Electronic Advanced Ground Launcher System (EAGLS) to fight off drones in the Middle East, which features laser-guided 70mm rockets that can kill drones at a safe distance. This agreement will get the US forces five EAGLS Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), as well as additional supplementary items and training assistance.

According to MSI, the EAGLS C-UAS is a versatile platform for mobile and stationary integrations, designed to protect critical infrastructure, including power, water, information systems, and data centers. MSI also claims the platform can target moving objects and has the ability to “shoot and scoot” (shoot and then quickly reposition from one location to another). “Featuring a remote weapon station, MHR radar, electro-optical sensor, and a 70mm laser rocket launcher, UAS targets are quickly detected at a safe distance, recognized and identified, and prosecuted by the User.”

According to Interesting Engineering, EAGLS is a complete system with three main components, which include a version of CROWS II (Commonly Remotely Operated Weapon Station II) equipped with a four-round 70mm rocket launcher loaded with laser-guided APKWS II rockets (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II), a sensor turret with electro-optical and infrared cameras, and a small radar array. The system is designed to be used in either a palletized or vehicle-mounted form, with MSI’s website showing a version installed on a 4×4 Humvee light utility vehicle.

The US Navy released a document stating they require an urgent contract action to address the emerging and persistent threats posed by UAS in the US Central Command Area of Responsibility, meaning that the first EAGLS must be fielded within the 30 days since the contract was awarded. It is clear that US officials are worried about the lack of counter-drone systems to defend US assets in the Middle East, a fear that likely only increased since the Islamic Republic of Iran threatened to attack US bases around the region because of their assistance to Israel.