JDEC DE Enhancement SWaP ISV: 30kW HEL Prototypes

Executive Summary

The Joint Directed Energy Consortium is preparing to fund prototypes that reduce size, weight and power for a 30kW-class high energy laser on the Infantry Squad Vehicle. The Request for Solutions is not out yet. Industry Day is October 27, 2026; register by October 22. JDEC members only.

Book a Free Fit Call

This is a coming soon notice, so now is the time to position. Solutions will be evaluated under twelve prototype pillars, from a full HEL system down to single subsystems such as power, thermal storage or beam control, which opens the door to component companies and not only laser integrators.

Solicitation at a Glance

• Agency: Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Fires, Portfolio Management Executive Defensive Fires (PME DF), Project Manager for Advanced Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Effects (PM ACE)
• Opportunity: Directed Energy (DE) Enhancement Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) for the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV)
• Consortium: Joint Directed Energy Consortium (JDEC), managed by NSTXL
• Award Vehicle: Prototype opportunity through JDEC; terms will be set in the Request for Solutions
• Funding: not yet published
• Technology Maturity: Prototype systems, subsystems and components for the Enduring HEL (E-HEL) production effort
• Due Date: Request for Solutions not yet released. Industry Day: October 27, 2026, 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM CT (registration deadline October 22, 2026).

Think your company qualifies? Talk with BW&CO before the Request for Solutions is released.

Book a Free Fit Call

What Is DE Enhancement SWaP ISV?

DE Enhancement SWaP ISV is a coming soon prototype opportunity from JDEC. It seeks prototype systems, subsystems and components that reduce size, weight and power for High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon systems, using the Enduring HEL Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) so improvements can be integrated during E-HEL production.

What Problem Is the Army Trying to Solve?

The Army needs a 30kW-class HEL weapon that fits on an Infantry Squad Vehicle - Utility (ISV-U). That requires major cuts in size, weight and power while keeping reliability, maintainability, producibility and performance. The work supports the Army's acquisition decision in Fiscal Year 2031.

Priority Capability Areas: What the Army Is Looking For

• Full system: HEL prototype on an ISV-U based, 30kW-class platform
• Power and energy: power generation, energy storage and thermal energy storage subsystems
• Structure: structural subsystems that save weight and space
• Software and sensors: software algorithms, sensors and network and communications subsystems
• Laser and beam control: DE source, beam director, beam combiner and beam transport subsystems

Funding and Award Terms

• Instrument: prototype awards through JDEC; details will come with the Request for Solutions
• Amounts: not yet published
• Path: solutions may go into a new system or future insertions into the E-HEL production effort

Eligibility Requirements and Participation

• JDEC membership: Industry Day attendance is limited to JDEC members who register in advance. Contact membership@nstxl.org to join.
• Documents: the full coming soon notice is released through the key document request form on the NSTXL page
• Teaming: an opt-in teaming list is available on the NSTXL page

How to Apply

• Join JDEC: contact membership@nstxl.org if you are not already a member
• Register for Industry Day: October 27, 2026, in Huntsville, AL or virtually; register by October 22, 2026
• Request the full notice: use the key document request form on the NSTXL page
• Pick your pillar: decide whether you bid a full system or one of the eleven subsystem pillars, and line up partners
• Watch for the RFS: the submission format and deadline will be in the Request for Solutions

What Happens After You Submit?

• Request for Solutions: JDEC will release the RFS with the submission requirements and deadline
• Evaluation: solutions will be categorized and evaluated under the twelve prototype pillars
• Transition: selected work may feed the E-HEL production effort ahead of the Army's FY2031 acquisition decision

Is This Opportunity a Good Fit for Your Company?

It fits laser and photonics companies, power electronics and battery makers, thermal management and energy storage firms, lightweight structures, beam control optics, and sensor and software teams with directed energy experience. Subsystem specialists can compete on a single pillar instead of building a full weapon.

How BW&CO Can Help

BW&CO has helped deep-tech and dual-use founders secure more than $350M in non-dilutive funding. For JDEC prototype opportunities like DE Enhancement SWaP ISV, we help you:

• Choose the right pillar: match your technology to the system or subsystem where you can win
• Prepare before the RFS: get the story, data and partners ready so you can move fast when it drops
• Make the most of Industry Day: know what to ask and who to meet
• Write the solution: clear SWaP gains, MOSA alignment and a credible prototype plan
• Plan the transition: show how your work fits E-HEL production

Plan Your DE Enhancement Submission

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the solicitation open?

Not yet. This is a coming soon notice posted October 8, 2026. The Request for Solutions will set the deadline.

When is the Industry Day?

Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM CT, in Huntsville, AL or virtually. Register by October 22, 2026.

Who can attend the Industry Day?

Only JDEC members who register in advance. Contact membership@nstxl.org to join.

What platform is the laser for?

An Infantry Squad Vehicle - Utility (ISV-U) based, 30kW-class HEL weapon system.

Can I bid just a subsystem?

Yes. Eleven of the twelve pillars are subsystems, including power generation, energy storage, sensors, beam director and thermal energy storage.

How much funding is available?

The public notice does not list funding. Expect details in the Request for Solutions.

Who is the customer?

PAE Fires, PME Defensive Fires, and the Project Manager for Advanced Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Effects (PM ACE).

What is MOSA?

The Modular Open Systems Approach. Solutions should follow the Enduring HEL MOSA strategy so they can be inserted during production.

Can BW&CO help with a DE Enhancement SWaP ISV submission?

Yes. We help teams pick a pillar, prepare before the RFS, and write a strong solution. Book a call with our team.

Source: DE Enhancement SWaP ISV on NSTXL