High Energy Laser Tech Maturation

Abstract

This program element reduces the technology risk, engineering integration, and life-cycle costs associated with directed energy weapon systems. Conducting competitive prototyping of system elements to inform requirements, this program will develop functional and allocated baselines of end-item system configurations. 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 evaluate, prototype, and demonstrate directed-energy integrated technologies in operationally relevant environments, enabling the employment of directed energy weapon systems in support of mission areas across the Department of Defense. This program provides cross-cutting products to the Services, enabling next generation directed energy weapons that engage threats at longer ranges with shorter engagement timelines in adverse environments with improved size, weight, and power requirements. Products include: common architectures; mission engineering studies; and next generation battle management. As a result, this program transitions directed-energy technology to the Services at a high enough technical readiness level for insertion into directed energy weapon systems.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: 921_0604924D8Z_4_0400_PB_2025

Tags

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Engineering.
• Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.

Technology Areas

• Directed Energy