Air Force Awarded $19.7 Million Laser Contract

BAE Systems will develop new pulsed laser technology for military use at Kirtland Air Force Base.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Military

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of laser and beam control hardware, rendered in navy, cream, and red for an informational report. — The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory awarded BAE Systems a $19.7 million contract to develop advanced pulsed laser and beam control technology. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory has awarded BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems a contract worth up to $19.7 million. The research program, known as Laser Utilization for Military Innovation and Novel Applications, focuses on integrating solid-state lasers with beam control systems.

Why it matters

This award marks a long-term investment in advancing pulsed laser capabilities for military missions. The project leverages expertise from BAE Systems' recent acquisition of Ball Aerospace to enhance beam control integration.

The Air Force obligated $1 million in fiscal 2026 research funds toward the $19.7 million project. Six companies submitted bids for this work at Kirtland Air Force Base.

The players

BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems

This entity is a major defense contractor that acquired Ball Aerospace in 2024 to expand its space and mission technology footprint.

U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory

This is the primary scientific research organization for the United States Air Force that oversees technological development for military applications.

The details

Researchers will work on integrating solid-state lasers with existing beam control architectures to improve military mission efficacy. BAE Systems will utilize its Space & Mission Systems unit, formerly Ball Aerospace, to execute the research.

BAE Systems acquired its Colorado unit as Ball Aerospace in 2024.
The Air Force obligated $1 million in fiscal 2026 funds for the project.
The contract research work is scheduled to conclude on September 29, 2031.

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Political Context

Opponents often raise concerns about the long-term feasibility and rising costs associated with high-energy laser programs. Critics and some lawmakers have frequently questioned the timeline for transitioning these laboratory research projects into functional battlefield assets.

The investment at Kirtland Air Force Base will likely drive local research employment opportunities through 2031. Residents can expect continued specialized testing activity at the facility as the program progresses toward its research goals.

The takeaway

This project represents a multi-year effort to refine laser beam control for future military integration. Advancements in this sector may eventually shift the standards for how precision energy is deployed in diverse operational environments.