Directed Energy

The US Navy has awarded a $17.1 million contract to Attalon Inc. to build a powerful laser weapon to counter incoming drones and missiles. The laser is designed to burn threats out of the sky before they reach a warship. Attalon Inc. is a defense technology firm based in California.

Lockheed Martin's laser weapon successfully passed its first Golden Dome missile-defense test, leading to a new Pentagon contract. The test was followed by a contract award just two weeks later. This development marks a significant milestone in the advancement of laser weapon technology for missile defense.

A new plug-and-play subsystem enables rapid repair of laser weapons in minutes, eliminating the need for specialized technicians and fiber splicing. This innovation enhances the operational efficiency of high-energy laser weapons. The subsystem's design allows for swift maintenance, reducing downtime and increasing the overall effectiveness of laser weapons systems.

The Navy is exploring various methods to defend against mass drone attacks, including electronic warfare, directed-energy weapons, and interceptor drones. Historically proven methods may also hold the key to effective defense. The discussion highlights the importance of considering multiple approaches to counter the growing drone threat.

The Pentagon has disbursed compensation for Havana Syndrome and rebranded its team to focus on 'Directed Energy Bio-Effects' and non-kinetic threats. The team, previously known as the Anomalous Health Incidents cross-functional team, will prioritize these new areas. This change reflects a shift in the Pentagon's approach to addressing these health incidents.

Germany is integrating directed-energy weapons into its naval forces to destroy enemy flying objects. This technology is expected to bolster Europe's power. The development marks a significant step in the country's military modernization efforts.

The Pentagon has awarded contracts to develop laser weapons that can shoot down drone swarms and cruise missiles. The contracts are part of the Department of Defense's efforts to develop directed energy systems. Companies such as Lockheed, nLIGHT, MBDA, and Rheinmetall have been selected to work on the project.

Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall have been awarded contracts to develop high-energy laser weapon systems for the US and German navies. The contracts aim to provide a 500 kW laser weapon system for cruise missile and drone defense. The systems are expected to be operational by 2029.

Aurelius Systems and American Rheinmetall are integrating a directed-energy counter-drone system onto robotic combat vehicles to defeat multi-drone threats. This partnership aims to enhance the capabilities of robotic combat vehicles. The system will help counter emerging drone threats.

The F-35 fighter jet's new radar system could potentially have a directed-energy attack mode, allowing it to act as a high-power microwave weapon. This capability would be a significant advancement in the aircraft's technological capabilities. The development of such a system would require significant technological advancements and testing.

The US military is planning to develop a fleet of laser trucks to support high-energy laser weapons for counter-drone missions. Two ground vehicles are being considered to field these weapons at scale. The Pentagon is moving forward with its high-energy laser weapon of choice and now needs vehicles to support it.

Joint Interagency Task Force 401 leaders visited Whiteman Air Force Base to learn about counter-unmanned aerial systems operations. The visit comes ahead of the upcoming directed energy pilot program.

The UK's laser weapon system, capable of destroying drones at a low cost, is set to be installed on Royal Navy destroyers by 2027. This will make the UK the first European NATO member to have an operational shipborne directed-energy weapon. The system's development was discussed at a major NATO industry forum in Portsmouth.

The US Air Force has awarded a $95 million contract to study how laser weapons affect targets and analyze the data. This research effort is part of America's push to develop directed energy weapons as a primary defense against drones and missiles. The goal is to accelerate the development of laser weapons and improve their effectiveness.

The Pentagon has conducted tests of laser weapons and high-power microwave systems at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The tests were observed by Pentagon leaders, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The demonstrations showcased the capabilities of these advanced weapons systems.

The UK is planning to deploy a miniaturized DragonFire laser on its Type 45 destroyer by 2027, making it the first European NATO nation to operationally use laser directed energy technology. This development is part of an industry team's efforts to integrate novel technology into the UK's naval capabilities. The project aims to enhance the destroyer's defense systems with advanced laser technology.

Israeli startup Esh-Tech has introduced a new laser-based air defense system to counter drone swarms. The system uses rapid pulses to defeat drones in seconds. This technology aims to address the growing threat of drone swarms in air defense.