High Energy Laser Advanced Development

Abstract

This program supports the Department’s initiatives to build a sustainable and long-term advantage, as well as a resilient joint force and defense ecosystem. This program funds directed energy advanced technology development aimed at translating technology solutions for broadly defined military problems into demonstrated performance pay-offs, increased capabilities, increased supportability, and/or increased affordability. Directed energy weapon systems have many potential advantages, including speed-of-light time-to-target, high precision, low incremental cost per kill, and a magazine that is recharged through on-board, fuel-based power and thermal management systems that reduce logistics requirements in contrast to stocks of munitions or warheads. As a result, directed energy weapon systems have the potential to perform a wide variety of military missions. Activities conducted under this program will develop and demonstrate the technology necessary to enable the employment of directed energy weapon systems in support of mission areas across the Department of Defense.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2025
Source ID
0603924D8Z_3_0400_PB_2025
Change Summary Explanation
The FY 2025 decrease of $3.324 million is the result of an internal realignment to Program Element 0604924D8Z: High Energy Laser Tech Maturation (2.228 million) to support directed energy advanced component development and prototypes. In addition to the internal realignment, a reduction of -$1.096 million was applied to meet DoD overall funding reductions, which were spread to mitigate impact. +$0.223Small Increase due to economic assumptions.
Service Agency Name
Office of the Secretary Of Defense

Entities

Organizations

  • Office of the Secretary of Defense

Tags

Readers

  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy

Related Documents