Directed Energy

South Korea to deploy laser weapons to intercept North Korean drones

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration said it will deploy at least one anti-air laser weapons system — called “Block-I” — this year.

12 days ago

Navy, Marine Corps test new laser projection system to paint aircraft

The services are experimenting with a better way to mark insignia on aircraft, one that doesn't require old-school stencils.

2 weeks ago

Battlefield Tech

SEALs want loitering munitions aboard insert/extract patrol boats

The launcher addition to the SEAL boat would hold loitering munitions, drones or other payloads.

3 Germans arrested on suspicion of spying, miltech transfer to China

The suspects allegedly procured a special laser and exported it to China without permission.

3 months ago

A truck carries Iranian drones during an annual military parade in Tehran on Sept. 22, 2023.

From customer to sanctioned ‘proliferator,’ drones extend Iran’s reach

Iranian contractors and government officials have picked up on market demand, frequenting arms expos and other events in Russia, Iraq, Qatar and more.

3 months ago

Air Force to get a head start on GPS, target tracking efforts

The service's first two Quick Start efforts involve boosting GPS resilience and advancing moving target indication capabilities.

3 months ago

British Navy ships to carry drone-zapping lasers by 2027

Using directed energy to down aerial threats promises to revolutionize the business of air defense.

3 months ago

Epirus directed energy to face off against vessels in US Navy testing

U.S. Navy leaders have lamented a lack of directed-energy options as Houthi rebels in Yemen pepper the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden with attack drones.

4 months ago

US Army refreshes competition for short-range laser

The Army will begin a directed-energy test campaign to find the sweet spot for laser weapons when it comes to lethality, reliability and cost.

4 months ago

US testing Stryker-mounted lasers in Iraq amid Middle East drone boom

Laser and microwave weapons are considered critical elements of layered defense, or having different countermeasures ready to thwart different threats.

4 months ago

The Laser Weapon System, or LaWS, is seen here temporarily installed aboard the USS Dewey in San Diego, California.

Central Command’s Kurilla eyes drone-countering lasers for Middle East

At least 31 directed-energy initiatives are underway across the U.S. Department of Defense. Some are more mature than others.

5 months ago

What are high-energy laser weapons, and how do they work?

Unlike traditional weapons such as guns and cannons that have a finite amount of ammunition, a high-energy laser can keep firing as long as it has power.

5 months ago

US Army’s short-range air defense efforts face review board

The Army is seeking approval for its short-range air defense requirements, which will solidify a program of record for the rapidly developed capability.

5 months ago

What’s in the $95 billion Senate spending package for Ukraine, Israel?

Made-in-America munitions for Ukraine and Israel's Iron Beam laser weapon would get funding.

5 months ago

A model of a Stryker Leonidas directed-energy system is displayed at the Epirus booth at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland.

Directed-energy weapons need full Pentagon commitment, industry says

At least 31 directed-energy initiatives are underway across the U.S. military, according to the National Defense Industrial Association.

6 months ago

Amid Red Sea clashes, Navy leaders ask: Where are our ship lasers?

“We’re 10 years down the road, and we still don’t have something we can field?”

6 months ago

In first, UK downs aerial drone with test shot from DragonFire laser

The trial with the direct-energy weapon is considered a significant milestone toward the deployment of the system, possibly within five years.

6 months ago

Raytheon prototyping directed-energy zappers for US Air Force, Navy

“Non-kinetic defense systems are a key part of America’s national defense strategy,” said Colin Whelan, the president of advanced technology at Raytheon.

7 months ago

Air Force to issue protective eyewear as laser pointer incidents surge

The gear aims to limit the potential risk to pilots and other aircrew amid a recent spike in lasing incidents.

8 months ago