The Phantom laser prioritizes portability over raw output, making it ideal for mobile units where space and weight are critical.
As the world teeters on the brink of what might well be another world war, there are a few points of this dark reality that have a coolness factor to them that shouldn’t be missed. New technologies are only now maturing, transforming the science fiction of last century into the science reality of today.
Directed energy weapons (DEWs) continue to be one such weapon that the great militaries of the world covet. At the forefront of this innovation stands Northrop Grumman’s Phantom laser system, a compact high-energy laser designed to empower US tactical capabilities.
This miniaturized marvel has garnered attention for its potential to counter emerging threats, like unmanned aerial systems (UAS), rockets, and missiles. And it can do this without ever needing to fire projectiles into the air in the way that most conventional defense systems operate (meaning the only limits to this weapon would be energy rather than ammunition).
About Northrop Grumman’s “Phantom” Laser
Northrop Grumman is one of America’s leading defense contractors. In response to the Pentagon’s stated need for DEWs, it built the Phantom laser system. Specifically, Northrop’s engineers worked on balancing power requirements for the weapon with portability—a key feature that has been a complicating factor for all DEW prototypes. Delivered to the US military in 2023, the Phantom represents a significant milestone in miniaturizing high-energy lasers for tactical use.
Unlike earlier bulky systems, Phantom’s design focuses on ruggedness and ease of deployment, making it suitable for frontline infantry operations. This development aligns with the Pentagon’s annual investment of nearly $1 billion in directed energy technologies, as the US Army pushes for operational transitions from prototypes to field-ready systems.
At its core, the Phantom is a ten-kilowatt-class high-energy laser, engineered for efficiency and resilience to better survive the intensity of modern combat. It is roughly the size of a miniature refrigerator, and weighs less than 200 pounds; accordingly, the weapon can be lifted, carried, and installed by just two personnel. This compactness is a stark contrast to previous laser systems, which typically required heavy machinery for transport. The system is ruggedized to withstand extreme environments, including rough handling in combat zones, ensuring reliability in tactical situations.
Powered by a standard electrical outlet or generator, Phantom eliminates the need for complex infrastructure, enhancing its versatility. In that sense, it functions as a plug-in laser generator rather than a standalone weapon—certainly nothing like a phaser from Star Trek. To boost its effectiveness, the Phantom integrates with power supplies and targeting optics (and other subsystems) to form a completed directed energy system. This modular approach allows for scalability, drawing from legacy Northrop projects such as the Strategic Illuminator Laser (SILL) and the 300kW High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS).
The Phantom Laser Turns High Theory into Practical Application
The applications of the Northrop Phantom laser system are strategically vital for US forces potentially faced with modern military threats.
Primarily, the laser’s targets are the weapons that any US force would first be subjected to upon entering a battlefield—chiefly drones, missiles, artillery, mortars, rockets, fast attack boats, and cruise missiles. In an era where cheap, accurate, and deadly drones proliferate on battlefields, lasers offer a cost-effective countermeasure, with shots potentially costing as little as a dollar each—far cheaper than conventional countermeasures.
Phantom’s rapid deployment enables real-time protection for ground forces, naval vessels, and air assets. For instance, integrated into tactical vehicles or portable setups, this system can engage targets at the speed of light, providing a layered defense that complements kinetic weapons. Advantages of the Phantom extend beyond its physical attributes, too. Its design addresses longstanding problems with in-laser weaponry, such as size, power consumption, and operational costs.
When compared to more powerful systems like Lockheed Martin’s 300kw laser, the Phantom prioritizes portability over raw output, making it ideal for mobile units where space and weight are critical. In tactical scenarios, this means faster response times and reduced logistical burdens. As directed energy matures, moreover, the Phantom system contributes to the preservation of precious ammunition supplies—and reduces the risk of collateral damage through precise energy delivery.
Northrop Grumman Is Leading the Way for Other Defense Firms
Northrop’s involvement in the Pentagon’s overall push for DEWs is profound. They have been heavily invested in DARPA’s Modular Efficient Laser Technology (MELT), for example. In recent competitions, such as the US Army’s high-energy laser integration on Stryker vehicles, Northrop teams addressed the issue of integration of the Phantom system with existing Army platforms.
By shrinking battlefield lasers into a portable box, Phantom not only boosts US military edge but also the way for widespread adoption of laser technology. As threats evolve, systems like Phantom will play a crucial role in ensuring dominance across domains, marking a new era in defense innovation. And with continued investment and refinement, Northrop’s Phantom laser stands ready to utterly redefine how nations protect their forces in an increasingly dangerous threat environment.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert is a senior national security editor at The National Interest. Recently, Weichert became the host of The National Security Hour on America Outloud News and iHeartRadio, where he discusses national security policy every Wednesday at 8pm Eastern. He is also a contributor at Popular Mechanics and has consulted regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including The Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, The Asia Times, and others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
