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US Army Commits to Launched Effects to Shape Future of Tactical Autonomous Drones.
On March 27, 2025, the US Army announced the selection of three companies to participate in a key demonstration of the Launched Effects – Short Range (LE-SR) system, marking a significant step in the development of this emerging capability. Through this initiative, the US Army aims to refine the operational use of a new category of autonomous or semi-autonomous systems capable of delivering effects at a distance via lightweight, agile, and rapidly deployable aerial platforms. This decision reflects the growing integration of disruptive technologies into combat doctrines, in response to the increasing complexity of contemporary operational environments.
The three companies selected for this demonstration are Raytheon, with its Coyote Block 3 system, Anduril Industries with the multi-mission version of the Altius 600, and AEVEX Aerospace with its Atlas Group II drone (Picture source: Raytheon, Anduril, AEVEX)
The Launched Effects concept encompasses a new generation of autonomous aerial systems designed to deliver lethal or non-lethal effects, ranging from precision strikes to electronic warfare. Designed to operate individually or in swarms, these systems are modular, interoperable, and capable of being launched from a variety of platforms to provide rapid, targeted tactical effects.
The three companies selected for this demonstration are Raytheon, with its Coyote Block 3 system, Anduril Industries with the multi-mission version of the Altius 600, and AEVEX Aerospace with its Atlas Group II drone. Their participation falls within the framework of an event called the "Special User Demonstration" (SUD), intended to test the systems' performance under near-operational conditions. Units from field artillery, infantry, and aviation will be involved to evaluate the tactical effectiveness of these loitering munitions by experimenting with employment concepts, firing procedures, and combined-arms coordination.
Brigadier General David Phillips, Program Executive Officer for Aviation, emphasized that the demonstration will expose these industrial solutions to real operational requirements by placing them directly in the hands of end-users. The goal is to assess actual system performance at an early stage while identifying areas for technical or doctrinal refinement. Soldier feedback is expected to play a central role in shaping future capabilities.
The Launched Effects concept relies on a modular architecture composed of an aerial vehicle, a lethal or non-lethal payload, a mission system, and supporting equipment. These systems can be deployed individually or in coordinated groups, either autonomously or semi-autonomously, to deliver targeted effects against identified threats. The short-range variant (LE-SR) is designed as a lightweight, flexible, and responsive solution capable of operating effectively in contested and mobile tactical environments.
Brigadier General Cain Baker, Director of the Future Vertical Lift Cross Functional Team, stated that the insights gained from this demonstration will help refine technical specifications and guide the evolution of operational concepts in support of the Army’s modernization strategy. The approach reflects a shift toward user-driven innovation, with end-users involved from the earliest stages of capability development.
Alongside this demonstration, the Army plans to launch a separate effort this year to prototype the integration of existing industry solutions, including aerial platforms, sensors, and payloads. Conducted in coordination with the Aviation and Missile Technology Consortium, the initiative has already attracted interest from twelve vendors. This effort is part of a broader transformation strategy aimed at enhancing the operational flexibility of ground forces in response to evolving threats and emerging technologies.
Among the three systems being evaluated, Raytheon’s Coyote Block 3 is an evolution of its original expendable loitering munition. This variant integrates a non-kinetic effect primarily intended to counter drone swarms, thereby minimizing collateral damage. During a test conducted with the US Army, the Coyote Block 3 successfully engaged and neutralized ten drones of varying size, maneuverability, and range. It demonstrated air-to-air engagement capabilities, mission survivability, post-mission recovery, and reusability in the theater. Its compatibility with KuRFS radar and the Block 2 launch system reflects a mature level of interoperability. Its main advantage lies in its non-lethal counter-drone role in densely populated or constrained environments. However, its range and payload capacity are more limited compared to multi-role systems designed for extended engagements or complex strike missions.
The Altius 600M, developed by Area-I/Anduril, represents a new class of multi-mission loitering munitions, emphasizing modularity, advanced autonomy, and cross-domain launch flexibility. With a maximum range of 400 km, endurance exceeding four hours, and a payload capacity of up to 3 kg, the system is designed to support a broad array of mission profiles, including ISR sensors, RF decoys, communication relays, or kinetic warheads. It can be launched from land, sea, or air platforms, at both high and low altitudes. One of its key features is autonomous collaborative operation, allowing multiple units to share data, identify threats, and execute coordinated engagements. Delivered to Ukraine in 2023 as part of a military aid package, the Altius 600M has demonstrated operational maturity. A single operator can manage up to a dozen drones, reducing workload and improving overall mission efficiency. However, its high level of technical complexity requires advanced software infrastructure, dedicated training, and a robust support system, which may influence its scalability in the short term.
The Atlas, developed by AEVEX Aerospace, is a Group II loitering munition designed to optimize the payload-to-weight ratio. With a total weight of 9.5 kg and a payload capacity of 3.6 kg, it offers a range of over 120 km and an endurance between one and two hours. The system supports both fragmentation and penetrator warheads as well as ISR modules. It features autonomous visual navigation capable of operating without GPS, enhanced by mesh radio connectivity and alternate positioning systems, making it resilient in GPS-denied environments. Its open architecture enables integration with third-party sensors and software. With over 5,000 units delivered, Atlas has demonstrated high production maturity and a proven capacity for rapid deployment. While its endurance is lower than that of the Altius, its reliability, simplicity of use, and adaptability to high-intensity operations make it a suitable solution for immediate battlefield needs.
The comparative analysis of these three systems highlights distinct advantages aligned with specific operational priorities. Coyote Block 3 provides a non-lethal, reusable option for countering drone swarms, particularly useful in sensitive environments. Altius 600M offers the most advanced technological configuration for multi-effect missions, suited for distributed and autonomous operations. Atlas, by contrast, delivers a balanced combination of modularity, availability, and ease of deployment, with strong performance in degraded environments.
Ultimately, given the US Army’s long-term objectives, the Altius 600M appears to be the most promising option for future integration into joint forces, particularly for reconnaissance and long-range strike missions. However, given the current demand for rapid capability expansion and immediate field readiness, Atlas from AEVEX provides a pragmatic and deployable solution, aligned with today’s operational realities.