U.S. Army Soldiers set up and employ the Anduril Altius 600 Launched Effects in support of a Launched Effects Short-Range Special User Demonstration (LE SR SUD) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, August 21, 2025. The launched effects are designed for highly contested environments distinct from both unmanned aerial systems and loitering munitions.
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JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Washington – Soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, specifically from I Corps’ field artillery, infantry, and aviation units, participated in a Special User Demonstration (SUD) to test Launched Effects – Short Range (LE-SR) systems. The demonstration featured cutting-edge autonomous systems from AEVEX Aerospace, Anduril Industries, and Raytheon, including the Atlas, Altius 600, and Coyote Block 3 systems, respectively.
LE-SR systems are lightweight, autonomous platforms designed to strengthen the Army’s operational capabilities. These systems can deliver lethal precision strikes or provide non-lethal effects, offering versatility across all formations and mission requirements.
LE-SR allows Soldiers to operate efficiently and effectively in dynamic environments. Soldiers from I Corps established all necessary capabilities within a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) and launched systems rapidly. These unmanned aerial systems (UAS) – Launched Effects (LE) demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating small UAS technology to support the warfighter.
“Integrating small [LE] into our formations will significantly enhance how lower echelon units operate,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kristian Gaedtke, a UH-60 Blackhawk survivability officer assigned to the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, 7th Infantry Division. “These systems provide real-time situational awareness, electronic intelligence, and strike capabilities, allowing us to adapt more quickly on the battlefield. The Army is adapting to a changing operational environment, and that flexibility is crucial to maintaining an edge over our adversaries.”
By employing LE-SR systems at the small unit level, the Army can improve unit lethality and adaptability in complex, ever-changing operational environments. These LE are indispensable tools to operate in both Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) and traditional combat scenarios. Recognizing that both allies and adversaries are advancing their use of similar technologies and refining their doctrines, the Army must stay ahead of the curve.
U.S. Army Soldiers set up and employ the Anduril Altius 600 Launched Effects in support of a Launched Effects Short-Range Special User Demonstration (LE SR SUD) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, August 14, 2025. The launched effects are designed for highly contested environments distinct from both unmanned aerial systems and loitering munitions.
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The SUD marked the first opportunity for Soldiers to test and provide feedback on the various LE-SR systems, ensuring they meet the needs of those on the front lines.
“This capability allows us to transition to the offense with greater mobility, eliminating enemy threats across air, ground, and waterborne avenues of approach through lethal precision strikes—capabilities never before seen at the battalion level,” said 1st Lt. Zachary Glenn, a Scout Platoon Leader from 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division. “Its simplicity enhances responsiveness, making precision strikes more effective and largely MOS agnostic. With a variety of warheads for strike, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and electronic warfare (EW), the system adapts to the conditions of our area of responsibility and the modern battlefield.”
The demonstration highlighted the Army’s dedication to integrating innovative technologies to improve combat effectiveness and maintain a competitive edge in modern warfare. Each system was evaluated based on portability, autonomy, survivability, and interoperability.
“Launch effects significantly enhance operational effectiveness for artillery units and observers by extending their range and enabling engagement of adversarial indirect fire assets beyond the reach of traditional howitzers,” says Staff Sgt. Ian Wilcox, a Company Fire Support Noncommissioned Officer with 1-37 Field Artillery, 1-2 SBCT, 7th Infantry Division. “Its high level of autonomy reduces manpower requirements, allowing units to focus on other mission-critical tasks and more effectively shape the battlefield.”
The systems achieved each of these critical requirements. Portability means the platforms are readily mobile for light units or can be efficiently shipped to operational areas. Autonomy is vital to limit user error and improve mission efficiency. Reliability is essential for operating in diverse environments and against counter-UAS, so that the platforms can withstand harsh physical and operational conditions. Finally, interoperability ensures reliable communication and data-sharing capabilities across units and systems.
U.S. Army Soldier assigned to 11th Airborne Division employs the Anduril Altius 600 Launched Effects in support of a Launched Effects Short-Range Special User Demonstration for (LE SR SUD) while Lt. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, Commanding General, I Corps and Commanding General, Joint Base Lewis–McChord, and Lt. Gen. Joseph A. Ryan Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations G-3/5/7, watch at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, August 21, 2025. The launched effects are designed for highly contested environments distinct from both unmanned aerial systems and loitering munitions.
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“The Army is continuously transforming, and we recognize the need to innovate at the speed of relevancy on the modern battlefield,” says Lt. Col. Nicholas Stout, the Assistant Chief of Staff for the 7th Infantry Division. “Special use demonstrations and initiatives allow our Soldiers and units to collaborate directly with industry during the development phase, experiment with tactics and techniques, and provide immediate feedback to shape requirements and future development. Launched effects provide commanders with enhanced options for maneuver, sensing, and fires, which build agility, improve responsiveness, and reduce risk to the force.”
Launched effects exemplifies the Army’s commitment to advancing innovation and equipping Soldiers with cutting-edge capabilities to maintain a decisive edge in future conflicts. The recently completed Launched Effects Special User Demonstration (LE-SUD) showcased how exercises like this enable Soldiers to test emerging technologies in realistic scenarios, collaborate with industry partners, and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures. These efforts keep the Army agile and prepared to meet the demands of the modern battlefield.
