Secret SONGBOW: World-first 400kW laser from US to fry drones in blink

The US Navy has initiated the highly classified SONGBOW program to develop a groundbreaking 400-kilowatt laser weapon system capable of destroying drones, missiles, and other aerial threats mid-air. The Department of Defense awarded a $29.9 million contract to Coherent Aerospace & Defense to design, integrate, and test this advanced directed-energy subsystem for deployment on naval vessels and potentially land platforms. The system will combine multiple 50-kilowatt laser modules into a single, high-powered beam with precision beam control, enabling higher power output without sacrificing accuracy or beam quality. This represents a significant advancement compared to existing naval laser systems, which typically operate between 30 and 100 kilowatts. The SONGBOW laser aims to enhance the Navy’s layered defense strategy by providing a rapid, cost-effective response to evolving threats such as drone swarms and hypersonic missiles, which can overwhelm traditional missile defenses like the Aegis Combat System. Coherent Aerospace & Defense, experienced in high-energy lasers and