L3Harris Prepares Submarines for Future Laser Weapons
The company is upgrading power distribution as the U.S. Navy integrates directed energy weapons into its fleet.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Nuclear
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L3Harris Technologies is pivoting its power distribution efforts to support the growing energy demands of directed energy weapons on U.S. Navy submarines. These high-power systems require ship-wide electrical modifications to power laser technology directly.
Why it matters
As directed energy weapons pull ammunition directly from electrical systems, ships must significantly increase their power generation and distribution capabilities to support these capabilities. This evolution is essential for maintaining the lethality of the upcoming ballistic missile submarine fleet.
The U.S. Navy maintains a fleet using eight universal modular masts on each Virginia-class submarine, allowing sensor access without pressure hull penetration. These systems are part of a broader infrastructure upgrade to handle the power requirements of modern weaponry.
The players
L3Harris Technologies
An American technology company that provides defense and commercial solutions, specifically focusing on advanced communications, electronic warfare, and naval power distribution.
Naval Sea Systems Command
The agency within the U.S. Navy responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of naval vessels and combat systems.
USS Preble
An Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in the U.S. Navy that serves as a test platform for new maritime technologies, including high-energy laser systems.
USS District of Columbia
The lead vessel of the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program, currently under construction for the U.S. Navy.
The details
L3Harris currently provides power distribution for all Virginia-class submarines and is expanding its role through the production of universal modular masts. The integration of weapons like the HELIOS laser, already tested on the USS Preble, necessitates this shift toward higher electrical output.
Timeline
The U.S. Navy installed the HELIOS laser system on the USS Preble in 2022.
The USS District of Columbia was 65 percent complete as of February 2026.
Naval Sea Systems Command awarded L3Harris a $129.9 million contract in April 2026.
L3Harris published an editorial on the role of submarine power on October 22, 2026.
The U.S. Navy plans to take delivery of its first Columbia-class submarine in 2028.
The Big Picture
The shift toward directed energy weapons on undersea vessels marks a departure from reliance on traditional projectile-based ammunition. By prioritizing power distribution as a primary design requirement, the Navy is moving toward an electrified platform model.
The advancement of directed energy power systems could accelerate the deployment of high-intensity laser defense capabilities across the entire naval fleet. These infrastructure improvements may eventually influence the efficiency of future ship-based power grids and sensor technologies.
The takeaway
Future naval superiority will likely depend as much on electrical distribution as it does on traditional engine power. Implementing these energy-dense systems now allows the military to adapt existing hull designs for future modular weaponry.
What happens next
The U.S. Navy plans for the first Columbia-class submarine to be delivered in 2028, followed by the first operational patrol in 2030.
Further reading
For more information on naval energy infrastructure, see the Nuclear section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Defence Blog.
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