The Self-Protect High-Energy Laser Demonstrator (SHiELD) was a

directed-energy weapon A directed-energy weapon (DEW) is a ranged weapon that damages its target with highly focused energy without a solid projectile, including lasers, microwaves, particle beams, and sound beams. Potential applications of this technology include ...

s development program. The objective was to demonstrate the ability of a

laser A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. The word ''laser'' originated as an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radi ...

system mounted on aircraft by developing and integrating a moderate power laser in a fighter-compatible pod. In 2016 it was reported that

United States Air Force The United States Air Force (USAF) is the Air force, air service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is one of the six United States Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. Tracing its ori ...

was considering getting a defensive laser weapon for fifth and sixth generation

fighter jet Fighter aircraft (early on also ''pursuit aircraft'') are military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat. In military conflict, the role of fighter aircraft is to establish air superiority of the battlespace. Domination of the a ...

s by 2021. The SHiELD program was concluded in May 2024.U.S. Military Laser Weapon Programs Are Facing A Reality Check
''The War Zone''. 21 May 2024.

References

Military lasers {{weapon-stub