New methods of defence are being developed for the U.S. Air Force that will have the capability to detonate bombs, landmines and other submunitions from airfields.

Parsons, who are a technology-focussed defence firm based in Virginia, have been provided with a contract worth nearly $40 million to produce Recovery of Airbase Denied by Ordnance vehicles (RADBO).

Though the vehicles aren’t set to be completed until September 2023, they will be made up of a three-kilowatt laser entitled as ‘ZEUS’ which according to Parsons via an article on C4ISRNET can strike targets from a distance of more than 300 meters. 

They will also have an arm assembly that has the ability to clear unwanted objects and debris out of the way. 

Hundreds of people are killed by landmines left behind after conflicts every year.

“We’re proud to partner with the Air Force in deploying this critical force protection and mission enabling technology that will greatly increase safe and effective explosive ordnance disposal operations,” said Hector Cuevas, who is the executive vice president of missile defense at Parsons.