Non-Lethal Weapons
This project delivers a crucial spectrum of 'intermediate force' options, giving commanders the flexibility to act decisively in situations where simple presence is insufficient and lethal force is unwarranted.
FY2027 planned work - Initiate Joint Service-aligned advanced prototype development of small-form-factor counter-personnel directed energy system based on the transition of advancements made in JIFCO's directed energy science and technology portfolio. - Continue maturation of CP directed energy technologies to increase system efficiencies, reduce system size, weight, and cost in preparation for transition to joint acquisition programs of record. - Continue integration of current intermediate force capabilities into an established service platform for demonstration and prototyping. - Continue technology maturation and risk reduction of competing approaches to inform decisions for Service capability development…
FY2026 to FY2027 change Increase reflects initiation of Joint Service-aligned advanced prototype development of small-form factor counter-personnel directed energy system.
FY2026 plans — current year - Continue maturation of CP directed energy technologies to increase system efficiencies, reduce system size, weight, and cost in preparation for transition to joint acquisition programs of record. - Continue prototype development and demonstration for the most promising technologies employing multisensory stimuli. - Continue integration of current intermediate force capabilities into an established service platform for demonstration and prototyping. - Continue technology maturation and risk reduction of competing approaches to inform decisions for Service capability development of Directed Energy, CP technology.
FY2027 planned work - Initiate experimentation and utility assessment of re-configured counter-materiel directed energy vehicle disabling prototype. Initiate Operational Utility Assessment of advanced directed energy vessel stopping prototype installed on Coast Guard vessel. - Continue technology maturation and risk reduction of competing approaches to inform decisions for Service capability development. - Continue prototype development and assessment of advanced payloads for technological capabilities relevant to emerging counter-materiel capability gaps. - Continue development of the conceptual design of non-lethal directed energy vessel-stopping capability, including electromagnetic and engagement modeling…
FY2026 to FY2027 change Decrease reflects completion of maturation of CM directed energy technologies to increase system efficiencies, reduce system size, weight, and cost in preparation for transition to joint acquisition programs of record.
FY2026 plans — current year - Initiate development of non-lethal occlusion/entanglement vessel-stopping capability, including delivery method feasibility and integration, target characterization, and validation. - Continue Vessel Stopping Prototype to conduct system Factory Acceptance Testing and comprehensive planning for waterborne requirements verification Government Acceptance Testing and executing DoN major safety and regulatory milestones. - Continue development of the conceptual design of non-lethal directed energy vessel-stopping capability, including electromagnetic and engagement modeling, platform feasibility and integration studies, target characterization, and validation. - Continue maturation of CM…
FY2027 planned work - Continue to assess the utility, effect, and effectiveness of technologies for incapacitating personnel, clearing facilities, stopping vehicles and vessels, and denying enemy access to protected areas. - Continue to identify, test, and evaluate newly developed commercial products that meet Joint service requirements for specific non-lethal capability set common items. - Continue support of CCMDs by demonstrating and assessing intermediate force capabilities for multiple priority mission areas, such as port opening operations; Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Contested Logistics; and harbor and in-transit security operations.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Decrease reflects reduced level of engagement with NATO.
FY2026 plans — current year - Continue to assess the utility, effect, and effectiveness of technologies for incapacitating personnel, clearing facilities, stopping vehicles and vessels, and denying enemy access to protected areas. - Continue to identify, test, and evaluate newly developed commercial products that meet Joint service requirements for specific non-lethal capability set common items. - Continue support of CCMDs by demonstrating and assessing intermediate force capabilities for multiple priority mission areas, such as port opening operations; Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Contested Logistics; and harbor and in-transit security operations.