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Directed Energy is the future of warfare

EPIRUS
Leonidas photo courtesy of EPIRUS

Directed energy is rapidly shifting from visionary research to real-world defense capability, reshaping how the U.S. addresses emerging threats. As high-energy lasers and high-power microwave systems mature, they are taking on critical roles in counterUAS missions, force protection, and integrated air and missile defense. With this transition comes a growing need for collaboration, education, and operational integration across a highly specialized community. The Directed Energy Professional Society (DEPS) stands at the center of that effort, ensuring the field advances strategically and responsibly.

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VOLUNTEER

VOLUNTEERING WITH DEPS strengthens the directed energy community while supporting your own professional growth. Members can contribute through events, committees, short courses, manuscript reviews, and other opportunities. Share your expertise, expand your network, and help advance the field.

ADVERTISE / EXHIBIT

If you would like to showcase your capabilities, strengthen relationships, and enhance your organization’s presence in the DE community, take advantage of the great opportunities at the SYSTEMS SYMPOSIUM which include exhibiting, (co)hosting a catered event, hosting a hospitality suite, and advertising in the Attendee Guide or Agenda.

NEWSLETTER

Stay connected with the latest directed energy news and updates from DEPS with the WAVEFRONT. Our newsletter highlights upcoming events, organizational announcements, opportunities to get involved, and insights shaping the field. SUBSCRIBE to WaveFront and never miss what’s new in the community.

REACH OUT

DEPS actively supports the next generation of directed energy professionals through research grants, funded internships, mentor‑match programs, and STEM initiatives. Whether you are a student exploring DE or an active community member looking to guide emerging talent, DEPS is a valuable resource. Explore how you can help in the Education tab above.

CONNECTING THE PEOPLE COLLABORATING TO MOVE DIRECTED ENERGY FORWARD

DEPS events provide a comprehensive environment for learning, collaboration, and professional growth across the entire directed energy enterprise. Attendees gain access to distinguished leaders, technical sessions, expert instructors, facility tours, and a dedicated community advancing the field. Learn more about our EVENTS

INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF DIRECTED ENERGY LEADERS

DEPS educational initiatives strengthen the directed energy community by inspiring students, supporting emerging talent, and expanding the pipeline of future professionals. Through graduate scholarships, K–12 outreach, science fair awards, and STEAM-hack™ challenges, DEPS helps cultivate curiosity, develop skillsets, and ensure a vibrant, growing workforce ready to advance the field.

ADVANCING KNOWLEDGE THROUGH PUBLICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

DEPS supports the growth of the directed energy community through publications and high-quality short courses. From peer-reviewed journals, textbooks, and newsletters, to technical courses offered at events or brought directly to your facility, DEPS provides trusted resources that help both newcomers and seasoned professionals deepen their expertise and stay at the forefront of the field.

GOALS

Directed Energy is the future of warfare

Directed energy (DE) technologies are no longer emerging concepts—they are becoming indispensable components of modern defense. High-energy lasers and high-power microwave systems are now addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing today’s military forces, including low-cost drone threats, electronic warfare, and the growing demand for scalable, cost-effective defensive options. As these systems mature, their operational relevance is expanding quickly, supported by rapid advances in power generation, beam control, modeling and simulation, and platform integration.

However, the real challenge facing directed energy today extends far beyond physics and engineering. The DE-related war-fighting enterprise is vast and complex, spanning government laboratories, acquisition programs, test organizations, operators, industry, academia, and policymakers. Transitioning DE capabilities from the laboratory into operational service requires sustained communication, professional education, workforce development, and a shared understanding of how these systems perform in real-world environments.

This is where the Directed Energy Professional Society (DEPS) plays a critical role. For more than 27 years, DEPS has served as the trusted, vendor-neutral nexus that connects the entire DE community. Through its conferences, workshops, technical exchanges, and educational initiatives, DEPS creates the forums where researchers, operators, engineers, and decision-makers can collaborate meaningfully—often addressing issues that cannot be discussed in open academic settings. Its Graduate Research Grant Program strengthens the pipeline of future scientists and engineers, while its outreach efforts help senior leaders understand the strategic importance of directed energy as it transitions into operational capability.

As directed energy moves from experimental promise to warfighter reality, DEPS ensures the community remains aligned, informed, and prepared for currently emerging threats and the next generation of war-fighting challenges.