Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  

Pentagon selects Lockheed and nLight to build laser “missile-zapping” prototypes under JLWS, starting at 150 kW

The Pentagon has tapped Lockheed and nLight to develop early JLWS directed-energy prototypes, with first units targeted at 150 kW. The program roadmap calls for subsequent versions scaling to roughly 300–500 kW, indicating a push toward higher-energy engagement capability.

Discovered 2026-07-15T06:59:26.172744-07:00 | 2026-07-15T06:59:26.172744-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • Establishes near-term directed-energy procurement priorities with defined power targets (150 kW prototypes, scaling to 300–500 kW), shaping expectations for engagement effectiveness and scalability.
  • Signals which prime and supplier teams (Lockheed, nLight) are positioned to execute at the component-to-system level, influencing competitive dynamics in high-power laser integration.
  • Offers a concrete milestone path for missile defense technology development, impacting how defense buyers evaluate readiness and investment pacing.

Reported By

Axios
Sources Tracked
1
First Seen
2026-07-15T06:59:26.172744-07:00
Latest Update
2026-07-15T06:59:26.172744-07:00
Coverage
Defense

Sources

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