nLIGHT, a provider of high-power semiconductor and fiber lasers, disclosed a substantial contract worth $34.5 million. This agreement, set to span around 18 months, entails delivering a High Energy Laser (HEL) to support the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) for the Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD) prototyping initiative. nLIGHT serves as a subcontractor to KORD Technologies, LLC, the prime contractor leading this effort.
DE M-SHORAD represents a pivotal aspect of the U.S. Army’s overarching modernization agenda for air and missile defense. Its core objective involves integrating a 50kW-class laser weapon system onto a Stryker combat vehicle, aimed at fortifying defensive capabilities against various threats, including unmanned aircraft systems, rockets, artillery, mortar, as well as rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft.
Directed energy laser weapons, unlike traditional heavy kinetic weapons, offer enhanced advantages such as expanded ammunition capacity, reduced cost-per-shot, and a smaller operational footprint.
Scott Keeney, President and CEO of nLIGHT, underscored the evolution of high energy lasers from laboratory settings to practical field applications. Keeney highlighted nLIGHT’s extensive decade-long dedication to pioneering innovative, reliable, cost-effective high-power fiber lasers for both commercial and defense sectors. The collaboration with KORD and RCCTO signifies a commitment to expedite the development and deployment of advanced yet affordable laser technologies for military deployment.
Jeff Barchers, President of nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, emphasized the company’s adaptive optics-driven approach in maximizing laser potency through integrated HEL and beam control solutions. He highlighted nLIGHT’s vertically integrated methodology in laser design and manufacturing, ensuring comprehensive control over system intricacies. Barchers accentuated the significance of producing ruggedized lasers with soldier-serviceable components, a crucial factor for sustained adoption of directed energy laser weaponry in the military landscape.
