The US military is moving toward more powerful laser air defenses, selecting two companies to develop systems that could eventually exceed 500 kilowatts.
Under the Joint Laser Weapon System (JLWS) program, nLIGHT Defense and Lockheed Martin Aculight will build containerized high-energy laser prototypes with an initial power output of 150 kilowatts under Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements.
The Pentagon plans to scale future versions beyond 500 kilowatts, expanding their ability to defeat more advanced cruise missile threats.
Designed for rapid deployment, the prototypes will be integrated into both ground and naval platforms through containerized configurations, allowing them to be fielded more quickly across multiple operational theaters.
“We must actively defend the homeland against emerging threats,” said Emil Michael, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.
“We are partnering with industry to rapidly deliver deep magazine directed energy capabilities to the Joint Force that can be seamlessly deployed across multiple domains.”
The Need for JLWS
Initially valued at $86 million, the JLWS program aims to provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional air defense systems for countering asymmetric and high-value threats.
According to the Pentagon, the laser prototypes will offer faster engagement, deeper magazines, and lower cost per intercept than conventional kinetic weapons.
The department said those advantages will be critical for defeating drone swarms and advanced cruise missiles.
Using the OTA framework, the Pentagon can accelerate development by streamlining contracting and giving industry greater flexibility to rapidly refine the prototypes in response to evolving battlefield threats.
