Lockheed Martin awarded contract for 300kW laser weapon systems
Lockheed Martin will deliver two 300 kW-class IFPC-HEL prototypes with an option for two more. (Image: Lockheed Martin)
Lockheed Martin has secured a contract to develop and deliver up to four 300kW-class laser weapon systems for the US Army’s Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High Energy Laser (IFPC-HEL) prototype programme.
Under the contract Lockheed Martin will deliver two 300kW-class Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High Energy Laser (IFPC-HEL) prototypes with an option for two additional units.
The IFPC-HEL system complements other layered defence components to protect soldiers from stressing threats, UAS, rocket, artillery and mortars, along with rotary and fixed-wing aircraft.
Development of the system began in 2019 with Lockheed Martin working on the transition from the 100 kW-class science and technology programme, the High Energy Laser Tactical Vehicle Demonstrator (HEL-TVD), to the 300 kW-class IFPC-HEL demonstrator.
Related Articles
US Army to attain laser weapon vehicle by 2022
Lockheed Martin unveils plans to develop new class of 500kW laser weapon
In 2020, Lockheed Martin was awarded a contract to develop a compact, ruggedised 300 kW-class laser for the DoD.
In August 2022, Lockheed Martin delivered the High Energy Laser Scaling Initiative (HELSI) laser for use in the IFPC-HEL demonstrator, which was the most powerful solid-state directed energy technology delivered at that time.
In July Lockheed Martin announced plans to upscale its 300kW laser to 500kW class under a contract awarded by the US Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering (OUSD (R&E)), a follow on to a contract from the same organisation for developing a smaller version.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: IDV expands with new Viking and CL2X UGV]()
Eurosatory 2026: IDV expands with new Viking and CL2X UGV
At Eurosatory 2026, uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) are front and centre of IDV’s display, with a new variant of the Viking and the new CL2X on show.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Recovery, reconnaissance, autonomy and air defence shape land systems developments]()
Eurosatory 2026: Recovery, reconnaissance, autonomy and air defence shape land systems developments
New recovery vehicles, reconnaissance platforms, autonomous fire-support systems and short-range air-defence capabilities on display at Eurosatory 2026 highlighted how land forces are adapting to evolving battlefield requirements.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Ukraine drives European artillery renaissance]()
Eurosatory 2026: Ukraine drives European artillery renaissance
European governments have ordered nearly 1,400 self-propelled howitzers and more than 400 multiple-launch rocket systems since 2022 as lessons from Ukraine reshape long-range fires requirements across the continent.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Nordic CV90 contract to be signed this year as best offer submitted]()
Eurosatory 2026: Nordic CV90 contract to be signed this year as best offer submitted
The four-nation Nordic Programme to buy BAE Systems Hägglunds CV90 MkIV tracked vehicles is an ambitious effort for the partner countries to buy almost identical vehicles and is worth billions of dollars.
