US Navy to invest more than $700 million in laser-related R&D efforts in FY2026
The Lockheed Martin HELIOS system is currently in use with the Flight IIA Arleigh Burke Class. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
The US Navy’s acceleration of its laser weapon development initiatives reflects a decisive shift towards ultimately having a “laser on every ship” across tomorrow’s surface fleet.
The US Navy (USN) is investing heavily in laser weapons to enhance the lethality and protection of its in-service and future surface platforms. As part of its effort to innovate and improve its inventory, the branch has assigned more than $700 million in FY2026 to R&D programmes involving the use of directed energy (DE).
The funding will support research to develop chemistry, electronics, materials and processes to enable the operation of laser and counter-DE capabilities aboard USN vessels. It will also cover the construction of prototypes, tests and demonstrations.
Speaking last week at the 2026 Surface Navy Association National Symposium, VAdm Brendan McLane,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![HMS Anson’s milestone stay in Australia cut short during AUKUS deployment]()
HMS Anson’s milestone stay in Australia cut short during AUKUS deployment
The Astute-class submarine’s visit to Australia was the first time maintenance activity on a UK Royal Navy nuclear submarine had been carried out in the country.
-
![Greece’s newly commissioned FDI frigate deployed to Cyprus]()
Greece’s newly commissioned FDI frigate deployed to Cyprus
The recent naval modernisation efforts by the Hellenic Navy have been bolstered by the acquisition of advanced Naval Group frigates, the first of which was delivered in December 2025 and is now playing a crucial role in the latest Middle East conflict.
-
![US Navy SPY-6 approaches FRP with Raytheon already having “a hot production line”]()
US Navy SPY-6 approaches FRP with Raytheon already having “a hot production line”
Jen Gauthier, Raytheon’s VP of Naval Systems and Sustainment, told Shephard that the company is awaiting the US Navy’s green light to move “fully into full-rate production”.
