Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Department of Defense to advance the Joint Laser Weapon System program. The agreement focuses on creating a defense architecture for unmanned aerial systems, specifically targeting next-generation cruise missiles with a tactical, containerized 500 kW laser weapon system.
The initiative is designed to provide combatant commanders with scalable and cost-effective intercept solutions. These capabilities are intended to help military forces respond more effectively to attacks involving unmanned aerial systems and advanced cruise missiles. The company notes that its involvement leverages over 15 years of experience in tactical laser weapons, aiming to deliver rapid engagement times, unlimited ammunition capacity, and lower costs per intercept.
Paul Lemmo, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Sensors, Effectors, and Mission Systems, stated that the company is honored to field an operational-tactical prototype. He described it as the highest-power laser ever packaged in a transportable container.
Lemmo added that the firm is applying its expertise in reducing size, weight, and power requirements, along with rugged system design, to rapidly build these containerized laser weapons in the near term.
Emil Michael, the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, emphasized the need to actively defend the homeland against emerging threats. He noted that the department is partnering with industry to rapidly deliver deep magazine directed energy capabilities to the Joint Force. These systems are designed to be seamlessly deployed across multiple domains.
