Toward a Future of Directed Energy: Directed Energy Readiness Framework Workshop
Help shape a practical framework for assessing the maturity and transition readiness of high-energy laser and high-power microwave systems
Presented by the RAND National Security Research Division
Sep 23, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET Washington, D.C.
The amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) conducts a high-energy laser weapon system demonstration on a static surface training target in the Gulf of Aden, 2021
Photo by Donald Holbert/U.S. Navy
Directed energy technologies are advancing rapidly, creating new opportunities for military operations while raising important questions about how readiness should be assessed. High-energy laser and high-power microwave systems depend not only on the maturity of individual technologies, but also on their integration with power, thermal management, sensing, command-and-control, platforms, and operational environments.
To explore these challenges, RAND is convening a workshop that will bring together experts from the directed energy, acquisition, engineering, operational, and technology-transition communities. Participants will examine how readiness is assessed across the development and acquisition lifecycle.
Through structured discussions and applied scenarios, the workshop will explore what evidence is needed to support readiness claims, where existing approaches may leave important gaps, and how readiness assessments can better inform acquisition, resourcing, and technology-transition decisions.
Sponsor
Dr. Christopher Vergien
Senior Official for the Scaled Directed Energy CTA, U.S. Department of War
Hosts
Dr. Thomas Ehrenreich
Senior Physical Scientist, RAND
Dr. Daniel Gonzales
Senior Scientist, RAND; Professor of Policy Analysis, RAND School of Public Policy
Register & Contact
Please register online by Saturday, September 19th to attend.
Contact our team with questions about the event.
About the RAND National Security Research Division
The RAND National Security Research Division conducts research and analysis to help national security leaders address complex defense and security challenges. Its work supports the development, acquisition, integration, and employment of technologies and capabilities needed to strengthen national security and support the warfighter.
Toward a Future of Directed Energy: Directed Energy Readiness Framework Workshop
This meeting is open to U.S. Department of Defense contractors and other attendees with a legitimate DoD interest. All participants must comply with DoD ethics rules and contractor obligations.
The workshop is intended for government, industry, and academic participants with relevant experience in directed energy systems, technology development and integration, test and evaluation, manufacturing, acquisition and transition, or technology\readiness assessment.
Please register below, and note that attendance will be confirmed, with more detailed event instructions to follow once confirmed.