Exploring New Advancements in the field of Directed Energy Weapons

From the Crows' Nest

The Association of Old Crows (AOC) wants to make our podcast the best it can be. To help us succeed, we'd like to hear your thoughts. Please take just a few minutes to complete our 2025 listener survey because your opinion is very important to us.

In this episode of From the Crow's Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by Dr. Christopher Lloyd, Senior Technologist for Directed Energy with The Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division Virginia.

The pair check in on several recent developments in the promising field of directed energy weapons (DEWs). Dr. Lloyd says that senior leaders with the Navy have realized that directed energy weapons can play an integral part in multi-domain operations. New prototypes and stronger ties between the Office of the Secretary of Defense, academia and industry partners make the capability one with few limits on its utility. Dr. Lloyd details how two directed energy weapon programs — the Optical Dazzling Interdictor (ODIN), a low-power laser system, and the the High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) system — have been significant wins for the Navy in allowing its sailors to become more proficient with this new technology.

Interested in taking a deeper dive into EW technology? Visit here to access the new 6-episode FTCN Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Series. Season 1of is powered by L3Harris. Episodes 1 and 2 are now available.

To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.