Laser

Lockheed gets Air Force contract to develop high-power airborne laser weapons

Lockheed Martin has been awarded an Air Force Research Laboratory contract to develop and produce high-energy fiber laser weapons for tactical fighter aircraft.

Analysts say airborne laser weapons could help non-stealth military aircraft become more resistant to enemy missiles and potentially reduce the vulnerability to advanced air-defense systems.

In a release, Lockheed said its team is "focused on developing a compact, high efficiency laser within challenging size, weight and power constraints." It said the Air Force lab plans to test the laser on a tactical fighter jet by 2021.

The contact is valued at $26.2 million, but the potential market opportunity for such airborne weapon systems in the future could become significant once technology challenges are overcome.