Pentagon picks Lockheed, nLIGHT for laser defense project

The Pentagon has selected Lockheed Martin and nLIGHT Defense to lead the development of high-energy lasers for the Joint Laser Weapon System (JLWS) program, aimed at defending against drones and eventually cruise missiles. The initial contracts are valued at $86 million, with a potential total ceiling of $847 million. The announcement did not specify a timeline for prototype development. Initial prototypes are expected to carry 150 kilowatts of power for counter-drone operations, with plans to scale to 300-500 kW for cruise missile defense. A separate 500-kW integrated system will be developed under the High Energy Laser Scaling Initiative. The Pentagon expects the laser systems to be containerized for use on ground and sea platforms. Lockheed Martin's Paul Lemmo stated the firm is "honored to field this operational-tactical prototype," while nLIGHT's Scott Keeney said the award reflects the Department of War's focus on transitioning directed energy from prototypes to deployed capability at scale. The Pentagon has been eager to field laser weapons amid conflicts where adversaries use low-cost drones and missiles, though technological hurdles have slowed deployment.