Directed Energy Technology

The Directed Energy Technology program, managed by the Air Force, focuses on advancing research in High Energy Lasers (HEL) and High Power Electromagnetics (HPEM). The primary objective is to explore and develop technologies for integration into military applications, such as aircraft protection and electronic warfare. This initiative involves assessing the feasibility of moderate to high continuous power laser devices and their integration into demonstration packages. Additionally, it aims to evaluate the potential of high power microwaves for applications like counter-electronics and non-lethal weapons.

The Lasers & Imaging Technology project investigates the technical feasibility of laser systems for applications such as force protection and precision engagement. It aims to understand the effects of laser weapons on different systems and components while developing tools to assess directed energy concepts. In FY 2025, efforts will focus on improving beacon/tracking illuminator lasers and associated tracking technologies, although some plans, like demonstrating certain power levels for beacon illuminating lasers, will be terminated.

Advanced Weapons & Survivability Technology explores unconventional weapon concepts, including High Power Microwave technologies, for base defense and electronic warfare. This project seeks to develop weapon technology that minimizes collateral damage while assessing potential adversary capabilities. In FY 2025, efforts will include completing testing of high power microwave components and initiating research on particle beam technologies. However, some initiatives, such as developing smaller high power source technology for airborne platforms, will be scaled back.

The Laser Technology project is dedicated to developing High Energy Laser device technologies for Air Force applications. It emphasizes integrating optical beam control with laser devices and conducting vulnerability assessments of adversary systems. In FY 2025, there will be a shift towards in-house government efforts for model development and validation. The project will continue tabletop exercises to explore directed energy weapon employment concepts while reducing efforts in certain areas due to re-prioritization to meet future security needs.