Lockheed Martin to develop laser weapons for U.S. fighter jets

RESTRICTIONS: NONE

The U.S. Air Force is tapping Lockheed Martin to equip its fighter planes with high-energy lasers.

CNBC reports that Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $26.3 million contract to design, develop, and build a high-energy laser weapon for the U.S. Air Force's SHiELD program.

The company delivered a 60-kilowatt laser for U.S. Army ground vehicles early this year, and will produce a smaller system to test on tactical aircraft by 2021.

Airborne laser weapons can defend against threats from enemy missiles, boosting the self-defense capabilities of military jets.

The Lockheed Martin laser is one of three subsystems that make up the SHiELD program. A beam control system is being developed by Northrop Grumman, while a pod to power and cool the laser is being designed by Boeing.

RUNDOWN SHOWS:
1. Lockheed Martin awarded contract to build lasers for U.S. Air Force
2. Laser weapon system to be tested on fighter jets by 2021
3. Laser on tactical aircraft meant for self-defense capabilities
4. Laser can defend against enemy missile threats

VOICEOVER (in English):

"Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $26.2 million contract to design, develop, and build a high-energy laser weapon for the U.S. Air Force's SHiELD program."

"The company delivered a 60-kilowatt laser for U.S. Army ground vehicles early this year, and will produce a smaller system to test on tactical aircraft by 2021."

"Airborne laser weapons can defend against threats from enemy missiles, boosting the self-defense capabilities of military jets."

SOURCES:
CNBC, International Business Times

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