US military invests $86 million in 500-kW super laser weapon

The US military is investing $86 million to develop new 500-kilowatt laser weapons. These systems aim to counter advanced threats like next-generation cruise missiles. The Joint Laser Weapon Systems (JLWS) program seeks to overcome power and engineering challenges. Contracts were awarded to Lockheed Martin and nLIGHT Defense for rapid prototyping. This initiative is part of a broader effort to field directed energy weapons quickly. The goal is to provide the military with advanced defensive capabilities against emerging threats.