The U.S. Defense Department announced on July 9 that it has awarded initial contracts to Lockheed Martin and nLight for the development of high-energy laser weapons. The program, known as the Joint Laser Weapon System, aims to create systems capable of intercepting both unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles.
The initial funding for these contracts totals $86 million, with the overall ceiling for the program set at $847 million. The Pentagon stated that the first prototypes developed under this agreement will generate 150 kilowatts of power. Future iterations are expected to reach between 300 and 500 kilowatts, expanding their utility for missile defense applications.
These contract awards follow a recent demonstration of directed-energy weapons at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Pentagon Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael attended the event, where both Lockheed Martin and nLight participated alongside AeroVironment. During the demonstration, Hegseth observed incoming drones and cruise missiles being stopped immediately.
The development of these systems occurs against a backdrop of increased federal investment in directed-energy technology. The Trump administration proposed more than $2 billion for directed-energy research, development, and testing in its fiscal 2027 budget. This funding supports broader efforts to integrate laser technology into military operations.
Technical challenges remain for directed-energy interception. Atmospheric conditions such as fog can complicate operations, as can issues related to line-of-sight and power reduction over distance. Additionally, targets may employ hardening or special materials to resist laser damage, making the interception of certain threats more difficult than others.
