Lockheed Martin will provide support to the US Air Force Research Laboratory for laser development and maturation. The laser to be produced will be demonstrated on the aircraft for the first time in 2021.

The SHIELD project of the United States consists of the initials of the words Self-protection High Energy Laser Demonstrator. The company signed a $26.3 million deal for this program. Lockheed Martin will design the laser gun and integrate it with the two main subsystems. These subsystems will provide power to the laser and cool the laser.

If the project is successful, the USAF will be able to neutralize the air-to-air and ground-to-air missiles in a cheaper way.