Coast Guard Seeks Industry Input for High-Energy Laser Systems to Protect Maritime Assets

The U.S. Coast Guard is exploring the potential use of high-energy laser technology to defend its maritime assets against emerging threats such as unmanned aerial systems and uncrewed surface vessels. The organization has released a request for information (RFI) seeking detailed vendor proposals on directed energy systems that could be deployed on both moving vessels and fixed locations like piers.

The Coast Guard's Research and Development Center is conducting market research to assess the availability and technical readiness of these advanced technologies. Directed energy weapons, which convert chemical or electrical energy into radiated energy focused on a target, are seen as a promising solution for augmenting current fleet capabilities. The primary targets of interest include drones and unmanned vessels that pose increasing threats to maritime security.

Potential installation locations for these systems include Coast Guard cutters at sea, small boats operating in coastal waters, and fixed sites such as piers. These installations would need to be robust enough to withstand the challenging maritime environment, including protection against shock, vibration, sea spray, and airborne particulates.

The RFI seeks comprehensive information on the physical dimensions of proposed systems, their weight, power requirements, cooling needs, and estimated costs for acquisition and installation. Vendors are also asked to provide details about wavelength, output power, area of effect, range, and software loadings necessary for effective targeting methods.

This initiative aligns with broader efforts by U.S. military services to develop counter-drone technologies in response to the growing threat posed by uncrewed systems both domestically and abroad. Earlier this month, the Pentagon awarded contracts to support its Joint Laser Weapon System program aimed at addressing urgent operational demands. Navy officials have also expressed interest in more aggressively deploying directed energy weapons across their fleet.

Despite the potential benefits of high-energy lasers—such as rapid engagement speed, low cost per shot, and deep magazines—there are significant technical challenges associated with developing and integrating these systems. These include issues related to beam control, thermal management, and size, weight, and power constraints.

Industry responses to this sources-sought notice are due by August 20th, providing vendors an opportunity to contribute to the evolving landscape of maritime defense technology. The Coast Guard's exploration of high-energy laser technologies underscores the service’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities in the face of emerging threats.