# Army Seeks Compact Laser Solutions

On October 27, the Army released an NSTXL Request for Solutions seeking industry concepts to reduce the size, weight, and power of a 30-kW-class high-energy laser for the Infantry Squad Vehicle-Utility. The concepts are intended to inform an Army acquisition decision targeted for FY2031. The same defense-market roundup reports Navy awards totaling $41.6 million to AEVEX for two small unmanned surface vessels for mine countermeasures, and an Army modification to Boeing worth nearly $500 million for continued AH-64 Apache engineering and technical support, with work extending through February 20, 2031.

- Companies with relevant laser and vehicle-integration capabilities can assess the NSTXL request as an opportunity to shape a future Army acquisition; the source provides no response deadline.
- AEVEX’s awards indicate funded Navy demand for small unmanned surface vessels supporting mine countermeasures, while Boeing’s Apache modification reflects continued sustainment work.
- Contractors may find opportunities in directed-energy development, unmanned maritime systems, and aviation sustainment, but should distinguish the Army’s concept-seeking request from the reported contract awards.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 30, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Army (Army)
- U.S. Navy (Navy)

### Vendors
- AEVEX Corp. (Awardee)
- Boeing (Awardee)

### Sources
- [Defense Watch: BAE Deck Launcher, SSN-788, Swedish Saildrone, XQ-57A, Leidos Dividend - Defense Daily](https://www.defensedaily.com/defense-watch-bae-deck-launcher-ssn-788-swedish-saildrone-xq-57a-leidos-dividend/defense-watch) - Defense Daily