# Army Advances Counter-Drone Laser Procurement

Allen Control Systems launched a directed-energy division to develop high-energy lasers for counter-drone missions, building on its autonomous Bullfrog weapon-station capabilities. The move comes amid U.S. military investment in counter-UAS systems: the Pentagon has acquired 12 Bullfrog systems, and in September 2026 the Army awarded AeroVironment an E-HEL production contract worth up to **$464.8 million**. ACS has not disclosed its laser design or a specific procurement opportunity, so its launch signals potential market entry rather than an announced solicitation or award.

- **Why this matters:** The Bullfrog purchases and E-HEL award show demand for counter-UAS capabilities that can complement or offer alternatives to existing systems.
- Companies developing directed-energy or counter-drone technologies can use the Army’s E-HEL production award as a concrete indicator of procurement activity in the sector.
- ACS’s design and any future acquisition pathway remain undisclosed; contractors can follow technical details, demonstrations, and announced acquisition activity before making opportunity-specific bids or investment decisions.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** November 10, 2026

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

### Vendors
- Allen Control Systems (Developer of Bullfrog counter-drone systems and planned directed-energy lasers)
- AeroVironment (Awardee of the Army's E-HEL production contract)

### Sources
- [Allen Control Systems launches new division to develop counter-drone lasers - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/11/allen-control-systems-launches-new-division-to-develop-counter-drone-lasers) - Breaking Defense