It’s Only Common Sense: Hire for Hunger, Train for Skill
Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘The 'NVIDIA Way: Jensen Huang and the Making of a Tech Giant’
ATHENA Successfully Defends Drone Threat
November 12, 2019 | Lockheed MartinEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Lockheed Martin recently demonstrated their laser weapon system for the U.S. Air Force at a government test range at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where the system successfully engaged and shot down multiple fixed wing and rotary drones.
The Advanced Test High Energy Asset (ATHENA) operated in a fully-netted engagement environment with a government command and control (C2) system and radar sensor. The radar track was provided to airmen who operated ATHENA via cues from the C2, then ATHENA's beam director slewed, acquired, tracked and defeated the drone with a high-energy laser.
Validating this type of full kill-chain performance has been a priority of the U.S. Air Force and other branches of the Department of Defense, and it remains a requirement for laser weapons to be effective against unmanned aerial systems (UAS) on the battlefield.
"We've watched in recent news this type of laser weapon solution is essential for deterring unmanned vehicle type threats, so it's an exciting time for us to watch airmen compete Lockheed Martin's critical technology. ATHENA has evolved to ensure integration and agility are key and it remains an affordable capability for the warfighter," said Sarah Reeves, vice president of Missile Defense Programs for Lockheed Martin.
The ATHENA system was developed by Lockheed Martin to integrate seamlessly and provide a cost-effective, complementary anti-drone capability with the network of systems the warfighter is already using. ATHENA was operated by USAF personnel during this demonstration, and it was able to destroy multiple drones in engagements representative of what is being encountered by U.S. armed forces today.
The ATHENA high-energy laser system is transportable and therefore enables the Air Force to emplace it anywhere they need to defend bases and high-value assets.
For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com/DE
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
Share on:
Testimonial
"The I-Connect007 team is outstanding—kind, responsive, and a true marketing partner. Their design team created fresh, eye-catching ads, and their editorial support polished our content to let our brand shine. Thank you all! "
Sweeney Ng - CEE PCBSuggested Items
Spirit Electronics Named Authorized Distributor for Microchip Technology
04/17/2026 | Globe NewswireSpirit Electronics, a vertically integrated electronics design and manufacturing solutions provider serving the military and aerospace markets, announced that it has been designated as an authorized distributor for the Americas for Microchip Technology, a broadline supplier of semiconductors committed to making innovative design easier through total system solutions.
FTG Reports Strong Q1 2026 Results with Double-Digit Revenue Growth and Rising Backlog
04/09/2026 | Firan Technology Group CorporationIn Q1 2026, the Corporation grew organically. FTG is strategically investing its capital in ways that will drive increased shareholder returns for the future in both the near term and long term. The company's achievements in Q1 2026 demonstrate this commitment, laying a strong foundation for future growth.
EMI Promotes David Vue to Lead Military and Aerospace Division
03/31/2026 | Express Manufacturing Inc.Express Manufacturing, Inc. (EMI), a global electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider, announced the promotion of David Vue to Military and Aerospace Division Manager.
SP Manufacturing Expands into UK Avionics Sector, Secures First Customer Engagement
03/30/2026 | SP ManufacturingSP Manufacturing Pte Ltd., a leader in comprehensive electronic manufacturing services, announced its expansion into the avionics sector in the United Kingdom, marked by the successful onboarding of its first UK-based avionics customer.
Honeywell Aerospace, Defense Department Sign Deal to Boost Defense Tech Production
03/27/2026 | PRNewswireHoneywell announced it has signed a groundbreaking supplier framework agreement with the U.S. Department of War (DoW) to rapidly increase the production of critical defense technologies. This agreement includes a $500 million multi-year investment to upgrade the company's production capacity.