directed energy Archives

Flight Officer Camron Iverson of the Washington State Patrol tested laser protection lenses formulated at AFRL’s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate. (Courtesy photo)

FAA evaluates unique laser-blocking eyewear developed by Air Force Research Lab

Lab officials expect first-round assessments from the FAA soon.

Aug 25, 2022 By Brandi Vincent

Pentagon’s counter-UAS chief wants more widespread training on drone-killer systems

The Ukraine-Russia war highlights the need for more U.S. troops to learn how to use counter-drone weapons on the frontlines of future battlefields, according to the director…

Aug 23, 2022 By Jon Harper

Deputy Secretary of Defense nominee Kathleen Hicks reacts to the start of her Senate confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C. Feb. 2, 2021. (DoD photo by EJ Hersom)

Hicks’ multi-state tour to focus on emerging and disruptive defense tech

Military technologies and strategic competition against China will be a primary focus for the deputy secretary of defense on her upcoming trip.

Aug 16, 2022 By Brandi Vincent

A hypersonic sled travels 6,400-feet per second on a monorail and is recovered as part of the Hypersonic Sled Recovery effort at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex High Speed Test Track at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Senators propose big boost in funding to upgrade DOD’s test ranges

The chairman’s mark of the fiscal 2023 defense appropriations bill recommends spending about $1.8 billion on these efforts.

Aug 2, 2022 By Jon Harper

Bill would prod Pentagon to accelerate fielding of new tech to defeat drone swarms

Legislation calls for the Pentagon to develop a new a strategy to counter swarms of unmanned aerial systems.

Jul 25, 2022 By Jon Harper

An army helicopter flies over foggy mountains.

Army moves to innovate how it shields aircraft from directed energy weapons

Small businesses are invited to apply to a new R&D opportunity.

May 31, 2022 By Brandi Vincent

Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Heidi Shyu speaks to Defense Writers via zoom at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Jan. 13, 2022. (DoD photo by United States Marine Corps Sgt. Taryn Sammet)

‘Big muscle movements’ proposed in Pentagon funding request for S&T

The Pentagon wants more money for science and technology projects in 2023.

Apr 20, 2022 By Jon Harper

China, Russia may soon field more capable counterspace weapons, DIA says

The Defense Intelligence Agency released a a new report on challenges to security in space.

Apr 12, 2022 By Jon Harper

Air Force testing microwave weapons to stop drones

The directed energy program could give the military tools to disable incoming drones.

Jul 30, 2021 By Jackson Barnett