Directed Energy Prototyping

Directed Energy Prototyping is a program element (PE 0604032F) within the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, specifically under Budget Activity 4: Advanced Component Development & Prototypes (ACD&P). The primary goal of this program is to develop, acquire, and evaluate prototype directed energy weapon systems, including high energy lasers, high power microwaves, and other electromagnetic or particle beam technologies. These technologies are intended to become integral components of future Air Force missions, supporting both defensive and offensive capabilities.

The program is managed by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Architecture and Integration Directorate, and focuses on bridging the gap between laboratory demonstrations and operational field testing. Its objectives include maturing directed energy technologies through prototyping, integrating these systems with existing operational platforms such as radar and command and control systems, and conducting rigorous test and evaluation activities. The program aims to enable rapid transition and fielding of advanced directed energy capabilities to the warfighter.

Directed Energy Capabilities within this program have focused on several mission areas: Airbase Defense against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and cruise missiles, Precision Strike against electronic and conventional targets, and Aircraft Defense against incoming threats. In recent years, the program has prioritized counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) prototyping, with responsibility for these efforts transitioning to the Army's Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) at the end of FY24. The Air Force will continue to support field assessments and testing of delivered prototypes to the Army through FY25. After that, funding will be redirected to higher priority directed energy technology maturation efforts.

DE Prototyping Management Services have included program administration and direct cite authority activities, supporting the management, execution, and delivery of weapon system capabilities. Civilian pay expenses necessary for program management are also covered under this line item, supplementing other program elements as needed. In FY24 and FY25, funding supported program shutdown activities and the transition of counter-UAS efforts to the Army. No new funding is planned for FY26 and beyond under this specific line item.

The acquisition strategy for Directed Energy Prototyping has utilized Other Transaction Authority (OTA) to facilitate rapid prototyping and selection of vendors. In FY20, eight ground-based counter-UAS systems were evaluated, with three vendors selected for prototype development based on technical merit and operational suitability. Subsequent years saw incremental improvements to these prototypes, including the integration of a high energy laser system and the delivery of upgraded units for field assessment at overseas locations. The program's transition to the Army reflects a shift in requirements and prioritization within the Department of Defense.

Testing and evaluation activities have been a critical component, with the 704th Test Organization supporting prototyping and operational assessments. The program schedule from FY22 to FY28 has emphasized maturing high energy laser and high power microwave systems for base area defense, with the intent to transition successful prototypes to programs of record. Continued support for directed energy transition management is provided by the Directed Energy Transition Management Office at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.