Emerging US Laser Weapon Aims for 500-kW Defense Against Cruise Missiles

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.

Read the full story on NextGen Defense: Emerging US Laser Weapon Aims for 500-kW Defense Against Cruise Missiles