# DoD Tests Directed-Energy Base Defense

The U.S. Department of Defense selected Kord Technologies, a KBR subsidiary, for a yearlong pilot assessing directed-energy systems to defend U.S. military installations against drones. Selected on October 6, 2026, the pilot will examine operational performance, cost, and logistics; Firefly’s single-target limitation and reliance on human engagement decisions are among the considerations for the evaluation. No contract value or solicitation number was reported.

- Procurement teams can use the pilot’s stated evaluation areas—performance, cost, and logistics—to frame assessments of directed-energy counter-drone capabilities.
- For contractors, Firefly’s single-target limitation and human engagement requirements highlight capabilities that may factor into system evaluations, including handling multiple threats and engagement decisions.
- The selection indicates a DoD test of directed-energy options for installation defense; companies pursuing related work can assess how their offerings address the operational and logistical factors identified in the pilot.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 16, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)

### Vendors
- Kord Technologies (Pilot-program selectee and developer of the Firefly system)
- KBR (Parent company of Kord Technologies)

### Key Quotes
> As a swarm would come in, I would have multiple systems engaging on the most imminent threat.
> — David Zoller Jr., Senior Director at KBR

### Sources
- [‘Weaponized light’: KBR’s new base defense technology pits lasers against drones](https://www.defensenews.com/news/your-military/2026/10/15/weaponized-light-kbrs-new-base-defense-technology-pits-lasers-against-drones) - Defense News