Directed Energy and Electric Weapon Systems

The Directed Energy and Electric Weapon System (DE&EWS) program, under Program Element PE 0603925N, is a Navy Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on maturing and transitioning directed energy technologies from science and technology research into advanced prototypes and ultimately acquisition for the Surface and Subsurface Navy. The overarching goal is to develop and field breakthrough capabilities such as high energy laser weapons, electromagnetic launch systems, and high-power radio frequency systems. These systems are intended to provide speed-of-light engagement options, reduce reliance on traditional defensive missiles, extend engagement ranges, and offer non-lethal electronic attack and active denial capabilities. The program supports the National Defense Strategy by fostering innovation and technological superiority, while also aiming to reduce costs and improve operational effectiveness against evolving threats.

High Energy Laser Counter ASCM Project (HELCAP) is a key line item within DE&EWS, dedicated to developing and demonstrating laser weapon technologies to defeat Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles (ASCMs). HELCAP addresses technical challenges such as atmospheric turbulence, target acquisition and tracking, aim point maintenance, and advanced beam control. The project integrates technologies like laser sources, mission analysis, lethality modeling, and adaptive optics into the Laser Weapon Testbed (LWT) for system-level testing in both land-based and maritime environments. Funding supports beam control testbed insertion, range integration testing, and lethality assessments, as well as lethality model validation and evaluation of HEL technologies in realistic Navy operational scenarios. The acquisition strategy leverages existing contracts and national test ranges to accelerate fleet integration and expand industrial base capacity.

Surface Navy Laser Weapon System (SNLWS) is another major component, supporting the Navy Laser Family of Systems (NLFoS) initiative. SNLWS aims to incrementally deliver laser weapon capabilities to the fleet, validate operational concepts, and address threats such as unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and fast inshore attack craft (FIAC). The High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-Dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) system, integrated with the AEGIS Combat System, provides a low cost-per-shot solution for anti-surface warfare and counter-intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C-ISR) missions. SNLWS development has included industry and government collaboration to rapidly field a 60 kW-class laser weapon, with ongoing efforts in system sustainment, software support, and engineering. Funding is focused on the development of the Joint Beam Control System (JBCS) and Joint Laser Weapon System (JLWS), as well as lethality engineering and analysis.

Directed Energy Components for High Energy Lasers supports the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program by enhancing the production capability of critical laser weapon components, such as Laser Weapon Beam Director (LWBD) subsystems, optics, fast steering mirrors, and deformable mirrors. The objective is to reduce production lead times, improve quality, and ensure the industrial base can meet future acquisition demands for advanced laser systems. This effort utilized Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contracts to access specialized expertise and concluded in FY 2024.

Lasers for Navy Applications centers on the development and fielding of the Optical Dazzler Interdictor Navy (ODIN), a directed energy system providing shipboard C-ISR capabilities to counter UAS threats in response to urgent operational needs. ODIN units have been deployed on DDG 51 Flight IIA surface combatants, with RDT&E funding supporting design, procurement, installation, and sustainment. The program has transitioned to procurement and operations funding to maintain these deployed capabilities and inform future prototyping and program-of-record efforts.

Congressional Adds includes targeted funding to advance the manufacturing readiness of weapon-grade subsystems for 100kW-class High Energy Lasers, particularly the Main Optical Bench (MOB) for beam combining and control. The objective is to refine and improve mass production processes for Laser Fiber Amplifiers (LFAs), increasing production capacity and reducing unit costs for the government. These efforts are executed through existing OTA contracts with the DoD Ordnance Technology Consortium (DOTC) and Naval Surface Technology & Innovation Consortium (NSTIC), supporting Navy plans for weapon integration and performance qualification.