directed-energy weapons Archives

U.S. Air Force Airmen attach balloons to a drone during at Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center’s North Training Area, Wyoming, May 15, 2026. The balloons served as aerial targets, allowing defenders to simulate engagements against small unmanned aircraft systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Richmond)

U.S. military to host directed energy ‘shoot-off’ amid governmentwide counter-drone push

Officials leading the Joint Interagency Task Force 401 shared new details about that pilot program and other updates on recent progress.

Aug 21, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle conducts an all hands call with Sailors across the waterfront aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Feb. 10, 2026. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Martinez)

Navy CNO kicks off new ‘containerized capability campaign plan’

This new strategy will mark a key element of Adm. Caudle’s broader modernization vision and Fighting Instructions.

Mar 20, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

Artist’s rendering of Lockheed Martin’s HELIOS system. (Image courtesy of Lockheed Martin)

Navy brass sees future battleship as catalyst to scale next-gen laser weaponry

The U.S. military’s urgent need to counter cheap adversarial drones in multiple regions has heightened calls for directed energy weapons.

Feb 18, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

US Army may look to procure Israel’s Iron Beam laser weapon for air defense

The Army's acquisition chief said he was "pleased" that funding to support development of Israel's Iron Dome system was included in a recent supplemental request to Congress.

Nov 8, 2023 By Jon Harper

Phantom system in transportation configuration within ruggedized enclosure. (Northrop Grumman photo)

US government gets new miniaturized laser weapon

Northrop Grumman has delivered a 10-kilowatt system named Phantom that the company says is about the size of a mini fridge.

Aug 24, 2023 By Jon Harper

Leonidas high-power microwave system (Image courtesy of Epirus)

Army awards $66M contract to Epirus for microwave weapon that can zap enemy drones

The Leonidas system will support the Army’s Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High-Power Microwave Program.

Jan 23, 2023 By Jon Harper

Flight Officer Camron Iverson of the Washington State Patrol tested laser protection lenses formulated at AFRL’s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate. (Courtesy photo)

FAA evaluates unique laser-blocking eyewear developed by Air Force Research Lab

Lab officials expect first-round assessments from the FAA soon.

Aug 25, 2022 By Brandi Vincent