US Coast Guard Seeks Laser Weapons for Drone Defense

The U.S. Coast Guard is actively seeking high-energy laser weapons or comparable technology to defend its assets against airborne drones and unmanned surface vessels. In a request for information (RFI) published on July 20, the Coast Guard’s Research and Development Center specified that potential systems must be capable of operating effectively in challenging maritime environments, including exposure to shock, vibration, sea spray, and airborne particulates like smoke and fuel exhaust. This initiative positions the Coast Guard, which operates under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as the latest uniformed service to enter the global competition for laser weapon technology, joining other U.S. military branches and an increasing number of nations focused on directed energy solutions for drone defense.

This development follows closely on the heels of another significant directed energy contract. On July 21, defense contractor Kratos announced it had secured a $156 million contract to supply mobile Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) platforms. These platforms are destined for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Office of Secure Transportation (OST), the agency responsible for the secure transport of nuclear weapons and materials. This project, known as ‘Project Solar Shield,’ involves the delivery of two prototype and 25 full-production “On-The-Move (OTM) Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Special Operations Vehicle (SOV)” systems.

While Kratos did not explicitly confirm the inclusion of laser weapons within the "layered defense posture" of these vehicles in its announcement, the context of C-UAS platforms and the broader trend in directed energy applications strongly suggests their potential role. The U.S. military services, including the U.S. Space Force, are increasingly investing in directed energy weapons as a countermeasure against the growing threat posed by low-cost weaponized drones. The U.S. Coast Guard's RFI underscores the urgency and expanding scope of these efforts, aiming to equip cutters, small boats, and fixed sites with advanced defensive capabilities.