Directed Energy Technology

Abstract

This program covers research in Directed Energy (DE) technologies, primarily High Energy Lasers (HEL) and High Power Electromagnetics (HPEM). High Energy Lasers (HEL) research includes moderate to high continuous power laser devices that are applicable to a wide range of applications, optical technologies to propagate laser beams through the atmosphere, and integration of these technologies into demonstration packages. High power microwaves research examines technologies for applications such as counter-electronics and nonlethal weapons. This program conducts research into other novel Directed Energy applications; conducts Directed Energy vulnerability/lethality assessments; develops protection technologies versus Directed Energy; conducts research into other advanced non-conventional/innovative weapons; develops and uses tools to compare solutions to determine the most effective and efficient Directed Energy technologies to meet Air Force needs; coordinates efforts through the Department of Defense Science and Technology Executive Committee process to harmonize efforts and eliminate duplication. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver science & technology capabilities. The use of program funds in this PE would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0601102F, 0602102F, 0602201F, 0602202F, 0602203F, 0602204F, 0602602F, 0602788F, 1206601SF, and 0602298F. This program element may include necessary expenses to support the operation and maintenance of facilities to manage, execute, and deliver science and technology capabilities. Funds in this PE may be used to investigate specified technology advancements in air, space and/or cyber domains. This program is in Budget Activity 2, Applied Research because this budget activity includes studies, investigations, and non-system specific technology efforts directed toward general military needs with a view toward developing and evaluating the feasibility and practicality of proposed solutions and determining their parameters.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2025
Source ID
0602605F_2_3600_PB_2025
Change Summary Explanation
Decrease in FY 2025 funding is due to re-prioritization to meet the nation's future security needs.
Service Agency Name
Air Force

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Air Force

Tags

Readers

  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.

Technology Areas

  • Cyber
  • Cyber - Quantum
  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics
  • Space

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