Navy Holds Directed Energy Working Group in San Diego
The Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center met to discuss integrating laser weapons into the surface fleet.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Military
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The Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center held a directed energy working group on October 19, 2026, at Naval Base San Diego. Experts met to discuss tactics and doctrine for integrating directed energy capabilities into surface operations.
Why it matters
Integrating directed energy systems provides the fleet with essential tools to defend itself and sustain operations during prolonged conflict. The meeting helped align tactical development priorities to close current capability gaps in surface warfare.
The working group focused on aligning Surface Navy tactics and doctrine with future directed energy capabilities. Specific priorities for capability gap resolution were determined through a session led by the Surface Requirements Group.
The players
Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center
This organization serves as the Navy lead for developing and integrating advanced warfighting tactics and doctrine.
Surface Requirements Group
This body is responsible for identifying tactical gaps and providing a unified organizational voice for force requirements.
The details
Warfare Tactics Instructors reviewed concepts for employing energy-based systems across surface vessels to enhance defensive postures. The Surface Requirements Group utilized their formal process to provide a unified voice on tactical deficiencies.
Timeline
The directed energy working group occurred on October 19, 2026.
Political Context
The working group aligns emerging directed energy capabilities with the Navy's Integrated Air and Missile Defense doctrine to ensure fleet-wide compatibility. Some advocates suggest that shifting to energy-based systems requires a complete overhaul of traditional ship power management standards.
The development of these tactical procedures dictates how naval assets will be equipped and deployed in future maritime operations. Local residents near Naval Base San Diego may see an increased frequency of strategic planning exercises related to fleet modernization.
The takeaway
Future tactics and training doctrine will be informed by ongoing at-sea experimentation and fleet feedback cycles. Developing these systems is a long-term priority aimed at maintaining operational superiority during extended conflicts.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest defense initiatives at Military.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Seapower.
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