Directed Energy

About the Directed Energy Directorate (RD)

Graphic of THOR equipmentThe Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate is the Department of the Air Force's Center of Expertise for directed energy and optical technologies. Located at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, the Directorate develops and transitions technologies in four core technical competencies: laser systems, high power electromagnetics, weapons modeling and simulation, and directed energy and electro-optics for space superiority.

AFRL pioneered the first and only megawatt-class airborne laser, and is a world leader in ground-based space imaging using adaptive optics with a 3.5-meter telescope in New Mexico, and a 3.6-meter telescope in Hawaii. The Directorate is transitioning game-changing counter-electronics and laser system technologies to the warfighter.

AFRL/RD Leadership