The Air Force, together with DARPA, is working to demonstrate a high-energy laser weapon system for aircraft self-protection, Steven Walker, USAF’s deputy assistant secretary for science, technology, and engineering told House lawmakers Tuesday. Under the electric laser on a large aircraft, or ELLA, initiative, the service aims to integrate a laser system module into forward bomb bay of the B-1B bomber “to demonstrate the aircraft self-defense capabilities of a high-energy electric laser in a practical platform,” he told members of the House Armed Services terrorism and unconventional threats and capabilities panel. ELLA will be based on DARPA’s high energy liquid laser area defense system, or HELLADS, laser device. Upon completion of HELLADS development, the Air Force will couple the device to a beam control system for a series of ground demonstrations followed by integration on the aircraft, said Walker. (Walker’s prepared testimony)
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
