CLAWS

Overview

The Compact Laser Weapon System (CLAWS) concept represents the push to miniaturize directed energy weapons to the point where individual soldiers or small units can carry and deploy them against drone threats. While larger laser systems like DE M-SHORAD and P-HEL offer greater power, their size restricts them to vehicle or pallet mounting. CLAWS aims to put laser capability directly in the hands of dismounted forces.

Development History

Multiple US defense contractors have pursued compact laser weapon concepts under various programs and internal development efforts. The underlying technology has matured rapidly as solid-state laser efficiency has improved and component miniaturization has advanced. CLAWS-class systems represent the lower end of the directed energy power spectrum, typically in the 5-10 kW range, which is sufficient to defeat small commercial drones at short range.

Operational Concept

In operation, a CLAWS-type system would be deployed by a small unit to provide point defense against drone threats. The operator — or an automated tracking system — acquires the incoming drone and directs the laser beam at it. The lower power of these compact systems means longer dwell times are needed compared to larger laser weapons, but against the thin-skinned, fragile structures of small commercial drones, even a few seconds of laser exposure can melt propellers, blind cameras, or destroy flight control electronics.

Future Development

Advances in laser efficiency, battery technology, and beam control are steadily improving the capabilities of compact laser systems. As power levels increase and form factors shrink, CLAWS-class weapons may become standard equipment for counter-UAS defense at the squad or platoon level, providing a complementary layer to the larger laser and kinetic systems protecting higher echelons.