Contributions are being solicited for papers and presentations that support a system level view of Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) at all distribution levels. Papers and presentations that provide a mission level perspective of DEW, helping to provide context to the warfighters, are sought. Papers and presentations from a DEW sub-system, or technology perspective which are focused on transition to operational capability will also be considered. Please contact devona@deps.org for any questions.
Key deadlines for presenters are as follows:
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 18 September 2026 | Abstracts Due |
| 2 October 2026 | Notification of Acceptance |
| 9 October 2026 | Preliminary Agenda Published |
| 2 November 2026 | All Presentations and Release Forms Due |
| 16-19 November 2026 | DEPS Systems Symposium |
Topics of interest include but are not limited to:
High Energy Laser (HEL) Systems Abstracts are solicited on the development, integration, and operationalization of High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, emphasizing advancements that transition prototypes into fieldable capabilities. Topics of interest include system architectures, beam control technologies, thermal management, power scaling, atmospheric propagation effects, and performance in relevant environments. Submissions should highlight pathways to delivering reliable, high-power HEL solutions to the warfighter, addressing technical challenges in lethality, precision, and multi-mission utility.
are invited on High Power Microwave (HPM) systems, focusing on technologies that bridge the gap from experimental prototypes to deployable arsenal assets. Areas of interest include source technologies, antenna designs, pulsed power systems, effects generation, and system-level integration for offensive and defensive applications. Papers/presentations should discuss advancements in compactness, efficiency, repeatability, and operational robustness to support warfighter needs across diverse mission sets.
DE Mission Engineering, Wargaming, and System Analysis The symposium seeks abstracts on directed energy (DE) mission engineering, wargaming, and system-level analysis to inform the effective delivery of DE capabilities. Topics include operational concept development, modeling and simulation of DE engagements, integration into joint force architectures, effectiveness assessments, and decision-support tools. Submissions should address how analytical approaches accelerate the transition of DE technologies from prototypes to critical war-fighting assets.
DE Manufacturability, Readiness, and Sustainment Abstracts are encouraged on the manufacturability, production readiness, and sustainment of Directed Energy systems to ensure they can be reliably fielded and maintained by the warfighter. Areas of focus include scalable manufacturing processes, supply chain considerations, reliability engineering, logistics, maintenance concepts, and lifecycle cost reduction. Emphasis should be placed on strategies that enable rapid transition to production and long-term operational viability.
DE Battle Management and Engagement Coordination Submissions are solicited on directed energy battle management, command and control, and engagement coordination to maximize operational effectiveness. Topics include sensor integration, target acquisition and tracking, fire control algorithms, deconfliction with other systems, network-enabled operations, and real-time decision-making tools. Papers/presentations should explore how these capabilities enable seamless integration of DE weapons into multi-domain operations for the warfighter.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) for DE Abstracts are invited on the application of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning to enhance Directed Energy systems across the full capability lifecycle. Relevant topics include AI-enabled beam control, autonomous target recognition and prioritization, predictive maintenance, performance optimization in dynamic environments, and intelligent battle management. Submissions should highlight how AI accelerates the transition of DE prototypes into intelligent, adaptive arsenal capabilities.
DE Bio-effects Abstracts are sought on the bio-effects of directed energy systems, supporting safe and effective employment by the warfighter. Areas of interest include non-lethal and lethal thresholds, human and material vulnerability assessments, protective measures, modeling and simulation of energy interactions with biological tissues, and regulatory considerations. Papers should address the scientific foundation required for responsible development and deployment of DE technologies.
DE for Air Defense (Counter-UAS and Counter-Missile) The symposium welcomes abstracts on directed energy applications for air and missile defense, particularly counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) and counter-missile operations. Topics include system performance against diverse threats, engagement timelines, swarm defense concepts, integration with kinetic systems, and operational testing results. Emphasis should be on delivering cost-effective, high-capacity DE solutions to protect forces and assets.
Airborne DE Abstracts are solicited on airborne directed energy systems, focusing on platform integration, size/weight/power constraints, and operational challenges in dynamic aerial environments. Areas of interest include podded and installed systems, beam director technologies, platform motion compensation, and multi-platform coordination. Submissions should discuss advancements that bring airborne DE capabilities from prototype demonstrations to warfighter employment.
DE in the Space Domain Contributions are invited on directed energy applications and challenges in the space domain, including space-based systems, ground-to-space engagements, and space-to-ground operations. Topics include orbital considerations, vacuum and radiation effects, constellation architectures, space situational awareness, and counter-space implications. Papers should address how DE technologies can support space superiority and deliver new capabilities to the warfighter.
DE Non-Weapon Applications (Power Beaming, Sensing, Communications) Abstracts are encouraged on non-weapon directed energy applications such as power beaming, sensing, and communications, highlighting dual-use opportunities and enabling technologies. Areas of interest include long-range wireless power transmission, high-resolution remote sensing, free-space optical communications, and supporting infrastructure. Submissions should explore how these applications complement weapon systems and contribute to overall DE ecosystem development for the warfighter.
Counter DE Warfare (CDEW) The symposium seeks abstracts on Counter Directed Energy Warfare (CDEW), addressing detection, mitigation, hardening, and operational responses to adversary DE threats. Topics include vulnerability assessments, protective materials and coatings, tactical countermeasures, intelligence support, and doctrine development. Emphasis should be placed on ensuring warfighter resilience and maintaining operational advantage in contested DE environments.