Army Awarded $30.1 Million Laser Research Contract

The U.S. Army selected Leonardo Electronics US to develop advanced semiconductor diode laser arrays.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Quantum Computing

Isometric editorial illustration of a precision semiconductor laser array mounted in a metallic frame, set against a flat background. — The U.S. Army has awarded a $30.1 million research contract to Leonardo Electronics US for the development of advanced semiconductor diode laser arrays. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The U.S. Army has awarded a $30.1 million contract to Leonardo Electronics US for the development of phase-locked semiconductor diode laser arrays. The funding, drawn from fiscal 2026 research and development appropriations, supports efforts to scale high-power beam technology.

Why it matters

This research focuses on phase-locking to enable diode arrays to produce a unified, high-power beam rather than a diffuse glow. Such advancements are critical for enhancing directed energy capabilities in defense systems.

The project utilizes phase-locking to force every emitter in an array to fire in step, aligning light waves to create a high-power beam. The facility previously managed a wavelength range of 760 to 1,700 nanometers with peak power reaching several kilowatts.

The players

Leonardo Electronics US

Formerly known as Lasertel, this firm produces laser systems for platforms like AH-64 Apache helicopters and F-35 fighters.

U.S. Army

The branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations and research.

Army Contracting Command

This organization operates from Aberdeen Proving Ground and oversees the procurement processes for the U.S. Army.

The details

Engineers are tasked with developing, studying, and scaling power output for semiconductor diode arrays by synchronizing light wave emission. The work is managed by the Army Contracting Command based at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.

Leonardo secured an initial Phase I research contract in 2017.
The original research project was awarded during fiscal 2024.
Funding was provided through fiscal 2026 research and development allocations.
Contract work is scheduled for completion by March 29, 2029.

The Tech Race

This project continues the trend of integrating high-power laser technology into legacy defense platforms such as F-35 fighters. It positions the U.S. Army to transition from experimental diode arrays to scalable, high-power beam weaponry for future combat operations.

The development of these high-power laser arrays directly informs the precision and capabilities of hardware used in defense platforms. Enhanced beam technology ensures that equipment such as the F-35 fighter remains effective against evolving tactical threats.

The takeaway

Advancements in phase-locked diode arrays represent a significant shift toward more efficient high-power laser deployment in military hardware. Investors and defense analysts should monitor these scaling milestones as the project approaches its 2029 completion date.