High Energy Laser Research

The High Energy Laser Research program, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and executed through the Joint Directed Energy Transition Office (JDETO), is a Department of Defense (DoD) initiative aimed at advancing applied research in directed energy technologies. The primary goal of this program is to develop and mature high energy laser (HEL) and high power microwave (HPM) technologies that will enable future defense capabilities across the Services and Agencies. The program is guided by the Department of Defense Directed Energy Roadmap and aligns with strategic objectives to build a sustainable, long-term technological advantage and a resilient Joint force.

The High Energy Laser Development line item focuses on applied research to increase lethality, expand mission sets, and counter emerging threats through advancements in directed energy weapon systems. This project supports the improvement of both existing and new directed energy systems by investing in component and subsystem design, as well as studies and investigations that further the knowledge base in HEL and HPM technologies. Coordination with the DoD Directed Energy and Non-Lethal Weapons Science and Technology Community of Interest ensures that efforts are harmonized across the Department and that duplication is minimized.

A key objective within this line item is to mature technologies that improve component-level performance and enable fieldable directed energy weapon systems. Specific goals include developing advanced beam control and propagation technologies, conducting vulnerability experiments on materials and targets, and integrating lethality data into system-level models. The program also aims to modernize antenna designs, reduce the size, weight, and power requirements for future HPM systems, and transition pulsed power research from government laboratories to industry to broaden the vendor base for critical technologies.

The Directed Energy Enabling Tech Program, a technical program within JDETO, is a major focus for FY 2026 and beyond. This program enables applied research in HEL and HPM technologies that support eventual system-level integration and proof-of-concept demonstrations in laboratory environments, often with Joint-international participation. The program leverages co-investment from the DoD Manufacturing Technology Program to increase the manufacturing readiness of critical components. The goal is to accelerate adoption and drive commonality across Services and Agencies.

Planned activities for the Directed Energy Enabling Tech Program include the development of advanced cameras, illuminators, fast-steering mirrors, deformable mirrors, and high-power coatings for HEL prototypes. For HPM technologies, the program will study effects and techniques for improved lethality, develop agile waveform sources, and invest in next-generation antenna and pulsed power concepts. These efforts are designed to improve the efficiency, size, and weight of future directed energy systems, making them more practical for operational deployment.

Another significant objective is the advancement of modeling and simulation capabilities through the development of JDETO Central, a code repository aimed at improving Joint collaboration and trust in modeling and simulation. The program will advance fast-running models for trade studies, wargaming, and hardware development, as well as high-fidelity end-to-end modeling to guide research, systems engineering, and mission-level analysis. These modeling efforts are intended to support requirements definition and provide predictive capabilities for other JDETO focus areas.