Attalon has secured a US$17.1 million contract modification from the Office of Naval Research to further develop advanced fibre laser technologies and directed energy systems under the US Navy’s SONGBOW programme.
Attalon has received a US$17.1 million contract modification from the US Office of Naval Research (ONR) to continue advancing key technologies for the US Navy’s SONGBOW programme, reinforcing the growing importance of high-energy laser systems in future defence operations.
The award will fund the next phase of development for advanced pulsed fibre lasers designed for remote sensing and illumination, alongside work to mature a 400-kilowatt-class directed energy subsystem. The programme includes integrating a 50-kilowatt laser with a high-performance beam control assembly, representing another step towards operational laser-based defence capabilities.
The work will be carried out by Attalon’s Directed Energy & Advanced Lasers team in Beavercreek, Ohio, where the company continues to develop scalable laser architectures and precision beam control technologies.
The latest contract reflects the US Department of the Navy’s ongoing investment in directed energy technologies as military planners seek alternatives that can deliver precision engagement at lower operating costs than conventional weapons. High-energy laser systems are increasingly viewed as a critical capability for countering drones, missiles and other emerging threats.
John Bergeron, Chief Executive Officer, Attalon, said the company’s continued investment in domestic engineering and manufacturing capabilities remains central to its long-term strategy.
“Innovation only matters if it reaches the warfighter. That is why we continue to invest in our people, our technologies and our manufacturing capabilities here in the United States. This award reflects the Navy’s continued confidence in our team and reinforces our commitment to strengthening America’s defense industrial base while delivering the next generation of directed energy capabilities,” he said.
The SONGBOW programme is designed to advance the enabling technologies required to transition high-energy laser systems from research laboratories into deployable operational platforms.
As part of this effort, Attalon is developing scalable fibre laser technologies, precision optics, beam control systems and integrated subsystems that can support future naval missions.
Matt Straup, Vice President, Directed Energy & Advanced Lasers, Attalon, said the programme is helping mature several critical technologies simultaneously.
“SONGBOW is focused on advancing the technologies that will enable the next generation of directed energy systems. This work continues to mature critical capabilities -including fiber lasers, beam control and system integration – that are essential to delivering scalable, operational laser systems. We are proud to continue supporting the Office of Naval Research as these technologies move closer to the field,” he said.
Beyond the SONGBOW programme, Attalon continues expanding its US engineering and manufacturing footprint through investments in facilities, research and development and technical talent. The company says these investments are intended to strengthen domestic production capacity while supporting the development of increasingly sophisticated defence technologies.
The latest ONR award builds on Attalon’s established role in developing advanced laser architectures, precision optics, beam control technologies and integrated subsystems supporting some of the nation’s most advanced defence programmes.
Together with continued investments across its US engineering and manufacturing footprint, Attalon is helping build the technical expertise and domestic production capacity needed to advance and field future directed energy capabilities.
