Despite budgetary setbacks, the industry team for the Air Force’s Airborne Laser program continues progress in testing the weapon. Northrop Grumman has completed power and duration testing of ABL’s megawatt-class chemical laser, otherwise known as COIL for Chemical Oxygen Iodine Laser. The company also has delivered COIL’s compatriot the Beacon Illuminator Laser, or just plain BILL. BILL illuminates the spot on a target missile and measure the distortion caused by air turbulence, allowing COIL to compensate and make corrections. The YAL-1A aircraft is currently in Wichita, Kan., for final modifications before the installation of the COIL and upcoming ground and flight-testing for the BILL.
Golden Dome Details Begin to Emerge
Dec. 7, 2025
The Golden Dome air and missile defense shield to protect the United States will have some “operational capability” in 2028, the program’s leader said Dec. 6 at the Reagan National Defense Forum.
