JavaScript Required

Jumpseat Aerospace News requires JavaScript to function. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings to continue.

NLight Wins US Contract For Laser Missile Defense

July 10, 2026

1 min read

Key Takeaways

NLight wins US contract for laser missile defense.
Initial award value is $44 million.
Total program ceiling is up to $627 million.
Lockheed Martin also selected for the Joint Laser Weapon System program.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.

Upgrade

Strategic Implications

This contract win may indicate the US Defense Department's growing interest in directed energy weapons for missile and drone defense. The selection of NLight and Lockheed Martin suggests a shift towards more advanced and cost-effective solutions, which could benefit both companies and may set a precedent for future defense procurement.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.

Upgrade

What Happened

Directed Energy Weapons Gain Traction In US Defense

NLight has been selected by the US Defense Department to create the next-generation architecture for low-cost missile and drone defense. The initial award value is $44 million, with a total program ceiling of up to $627 million. Lockheed Martin’s Aculight unit was also selected for the Joint Laser Weapon System program. The contract win is seen as a major validation of NLight’s technology, according to Craig-Hallum, as reported by Investor’s Business Daily.

Source | Originally Published: July 10, 2026

Companies Mentioned