nLIGHT Inc. (NASDAQ:LASR) is one of the best performing semiconductor stocks to invest in.
On July 9, nLIGHT was selected for a Joint Laser Weapon System/JLWS agreement by the US Department of War to advance next-generation cruise missile defense
The contract includes an initial $44 million award with a total potential ceiling of $627 million, covering the development, integration, and eventual production of high-energy laser platforms. The program aims to transition directed energy technology from prototypes to field-ready systems, initially targeting 150 kW and scaling to 300–500 kW for robust defense. These containerized laser weapons offer tactical advantages over kinetic systems, providing speed-of-light engagement and cost-effective defense against high-volume threats like UAS swarms and cruise missiles.
Utilizing its proprietary beam-combination and atmospheric correction technology, nLIGHT Inc. (NASDAQ:LASR) will deliver modular systems suitable for both land and maritime deployment. This contract uses an Other Transaction Authority agreement to facilitate rapid prototyping and accelerate the transition to large-scale production, supporting defense goals for operational deployments by 2028. nLIGHT Inc. (NASDAQ:LASR) provides semiconductor and fiber lasers for aerospace and defense, microfabrication, and industrial applications. The company operates through the Laser Products and Advanced Development segments.