Lockheed Martin to produce high power laser for fighter jet

Lockheed Martin has secured a $26.3 million contract from the U.S. Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) to design, develop and produce a high power fiber laser that will be tested on a tactical fighter jet by 2021.

Lockheed Martin is helping the Air Force Research Lab develop and mature high energy laser weapon systems, including the high energy laser pictured in this rendering. Credit: Air Force Research Lab (PRNewsfoto/Lockheed Martin)

The press release from the company said the contract is part of AFRL’s Self-protect High Energy Laser Demonstrator (SHiELD) program.