# Leonardo DRS joins AeroVironment's Army laser production program, DefenseScoop reports
DefenseScoop reports Leonardo DRS will provide integration expertise for AeroVironment's Army high-energy laser production effort, applying experience in vehicle integration, power and thermal management.
Published 2026-11-02 by TGOs. Canonical: https://tgos.io/news/2026/11/02/leonardo-drs-joins-aerovironments-army-laser-production-program-defensescoop/
Leonardo DRS has received a subcontract from AeroVironment to support the Army's Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) production program, DefenseScoop reported Nov. 2, citing a DRS announcement.[1]
Aaron Hankins, vice president and general manager of DRS's land systems business, said the company is applying experience in vehicle integration, power and thermal management.[1] The goal is to help AeroVironment deliver a mobile high-energy laser capability for the Army, he said.[1]
AeroVironment holds the Army's $464.8 million other transaction agreement for E-HEL, announced in September with the intent of moving the system from prototype to production.[1][2] DRS and AeroVironment did not immediately respond to DefenseScoop's questions on Nov. 2 about the subcontract's dollar value.[1]
DRS cited earlier directed-energy work, including a rapid prototyping effort to integrate a high-energy laser into an armored vehicle for live-fire evaluations.[1]
## Why it matters
DefenseScoop reports that officials envision integrating E-HEL with Army platforms such as the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle or Infantry Squad Vehicle, or in palletized setups.[1] Fielding powerful lasers that work effectively and reliably in combat remains technically challenging; DRS aims to help address those challenges under the subcontract.[1]
## Sources
1. DefenseScoop, Nov. 2, 2026: Leonardo DRS tapped to support Army's high-energy laser program
2. DefenseScoop, Sept. 2, 2026: Army awards AeroVironment nearly $500M contract for laser weapons