Lockheed Martin demonstrates laser weapon system for U.S. Air Force

Lockheed Martin recently demonstrated its ATHENA laser weapon system for the U.S. Air Force at the government test range at Fort Sill, Okla.

ATHENA, which stands for Advanced Test High Energy Asset, is a high-energy, transportable laser system designed to provide a cost-effective, anti-drone capability with the network of systems.

It uses a radar sensor and a government command and control system.

Air Force personnel operated the system during the demonstration and successfully destroyed multiple fixed-wing and rotary drones.

“We’ve watched in recent news (coverage) this type of laser weapon solution is essential for deterring unmanned vehicle type threats, so it’s an exciting time for us to watch airmen compete Lockheed Martin’s critical technology,” Sarah Reeves, Lockheed Martin vice president of Missile Defense Programs, said. “ATHENA has evolved to ensure integration and agility are key, and it remains an affordable capability for the warfighter.”

The U.S. Air Force and other branches of the Department of Defense have made it a priority to validate this type of weapon and require laser weapons to be effective against unmanned aerial systems on the battlefield.

Laser technology is capable of defending against drones, lightweight ground vehicles, artillery shells and mortars, small rockets, and small attack boats that are approximately a mile away.