Pentagon picks Boeing laser for counter-drone pilot

On Oct. 5, 2026 the Pentagon's Joint Interagency Task Force 401 selected Boeing's Compact Laser Weapon System for a directed-energy counter-drone pilot required by the fiscal 2026 NDAA. Untracked AeroVironment, Epirus and Kord were selected with palletized high-energy laser, Leonidas high-powered microwave and Firefly high-energy laser systems. Breaking Defense and Inside Defense, citing the Pentagon, said the pilot tests homeland operational use and that a December shoot-off at Dugway Proving Ground could add vendors.