# DoD Selects Four Directed-Energy Systems

The Department of Defense, through Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401), selected directed-energy counter-drone systems from AeroVironment, Boeing, Epirus, and Kord Technologies for a one-year pilot at five U.S. military installations. The pilot will assess operational performance, cost, and sustainment; a December 2026 shoot-off is planned at Dugway Proving Ground, and systems that perform well may be purchased quickly. Pilot costs, site assignments, and solicitation details have not been announced, so this is a potential near-term procurement path rather than a disclosed contract award or open solicitation.

- The evaluation covers high-energy laser and high-powered microwave systems, with integration and sustainment among the areas relevant to follow-on requirements.
- Selected firms can use the December shoot-off and pilot evaluation to demonstrate operational performance; successful systems may lead to purchase orders and production activity.
- Companies providing integration, testing, deployment, or sustainment capabilities can assess where their offerings may support the pilot or subsequent purchases. The signals do not identify a contracting contact or published solicitation.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 06, 2026

### Government Entities
- Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401)
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)

### Vendors
- AeroVironment (Selected pilot participant; developer of a palletized high-energy laser system)
- Boeing (Selected pilot participant; developer of the Compact Laser Weapon System)
- Epirus (Selected pilot participant; developer of the Leonidas high-powered microwave system)
- Kord Technologies (Selected pilot participant; developer of the Firefly palletized high-energy laser system)

### Key Quotes
> This pilot program will test these capabilities in an operational environment so we can understand how best to integrate and sustain them to defend the homeland.
> — Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, Director of JIATF-401

### Sources
- [AV, Boeing, Epirus And Kord Selected For Directed Energy C-UAS Pilot - Defense Daily](https://www.defensedaily.com/av-boeing-epirus-and-kord-selected-for-directed-energy-c-uas-pilot/unmanned-systems) - Defense Daily
- [Pentagon picks 4 vendors for counter-drone directed energy pilot program - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/10/pentagon-picks-4-vendors-for-counter-drone-directed-energy-pilot-program) - Breaking Defense
- [Pentagon names 4 directed-energy weapons for counter-drone program at US bases](https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2026/10/06/pentagon-names-4-directed-energy-weapons-for-counter-drone-program-at-us-bases) - Defense News