News: Optoelectronics
1 April 2026
NUBURU wins counter-drone directed-energy order from government defense electronics organization in Asia–Pacific
NUBURU Inc of Centennial, CO, USA (a dual-use defense & security platform company focused on non-kinetic effects, directed-energy technologies, and software-orchestrated defense systems) says that its subsidiary Lyocon S.r.l. (an Italian laser-technology company specializing in the design, manufacturing and integration of high-power blue laser systems for industrial applications) has secured an initial deployment order for its portable directed-energy laser dazzler system for counter-drone (C-UAV) defense applications from a tier-one government-owned defense electronics organization operating within a centralized government procurement framework in a major Asia–Pacific defense market.
Counter-drone technologies have rapidly become a priority across global defense agencies as the proliferation of low-cost unmanned aerial systems (UAS) continues to reshape modern battlefield and security environments, driving demand for scalable, non-kinetic mitigation solutions capable of real-time deployment.
The customer organization is a government-controlled defense electronics and systems integrator operating at the core of national defense infrastructure. The organization designs, develops and deploys mission-critical defense systems across multiple domains, including electronic warfare, secure communications, sensor technologies, and integrated command-and-control architectures. It plays a central role in national defense modernization initiatives and large-scale program execution, supporting system integration, deployment and lifecycle management across multiple operational environments.
Following a structured multi-phase validation and operational evaluation process — including prototype trials, production-level testing, and technical performance verification — the engagement has progressed into initial operational deployment, marking the company’s transition from system validation to early-stage field deployment within a government-led defense environment.
NUBURU has secured an initial deployment order valued at about $250,000. This represents the first commercial deployment within a broader engagement framework and establishes an early revenue pathway within a large-scale government defense ecosystem.
From validation to operational deployment
The order reflects the completion of a multi-phase engagement process that included:
- prototype development and testing;
- production-prototype validation; and
- technical evaluation and performance verification.
NUBURU believes that this progression validates both the technical performance and operational relevance of Lyocon’s directed-energy system in real-world defense scenarios and supports further integration into existing defense architectures.
The system is expected to deliver attractive gross margin characteristics consistent with high-value directed-energy and defense electronics systems, with potential for further improvement as production volumes scale.
Follow-on program expansion discussions
In parallel with the initial deployment, NUBURU and the customer are engaged in ongoing discussions regarding a potential second-phase program that is expected to include:
- lower-power (1W) system configurations;
- expanded operational deployment scenarios; and
- broader production scope across additional units.
NUBURU estimates that this potential phase 2 opportunity could range between about $575,000 and $800,000, subject to further technical validation, evolving operational requirements, and formal contractual agreements.
Subject to successful execution of the initial deployment, a follow-on program could be formalized during 2026, with deliveries anticipated in 2027.
Scalable system architecture and production readiness
The Lyocon directed-energy system has been engineered with a focus on modularity, scalability and manufacturability, enabling:
- rapid transition from initial deployments to larger-scale production programs;
- flexible configuration across multiple power levels and mission profiles; and
- integration into layered counter-drone and electronic warfare architectures.
NUBURU believes that the system offers compelling economic characteristics consistent with semiconductor-based directed-energy technologies, with potential for margin expansion as production volumes scale and supply chain efficiencies are realized.
Positioning within a national defense ecosystem
NUBURU believes that engagement with the customer provides a strategic entry point into a government-led defense procurement and deployment ecosystem characterized by centralized integration, multi-branch operational requirements, and repeat procurement cycles.
The customer’s role as a national defense electronics provider and system integrator positions it as a key gateway for deployment across:
- multiple operational units within the armed forces;
- homeland security and border protection applications; and
- integrated air defense and counter-UAV frameworks.
NUBURU believes that successful execution of this deployment may support broader replication opportunities within similar government-led defense ecosystems globally.
Addressing a rapidly expanding global market
The proliferation of low-cost UAVs across both tactical and commercial environments continues to drive urgent demand for effective counter-drone technologies across military, homeland security, and critical infrastructure sectors.
Industry research indicates that the global counter-UAS market is expected to exceed $20bn by 2030, driven by increasing adoption of layered defense systems combining detection, electronic warfare, and directed-energy mitigation capabilities.
Portable non-kinetic mitigation systems are emerging as a critical segment within this market, driven by the need to protect personnel, mobile assets, and sensitive infrastructure in dynamic operational environments.
Portable directed-energy system for field deployment
Lyocon’s counter-drone system leverages NUBURU’s semiconductor laser expertise and is engineered to provide non-kinetic optical countermeasures against UAV threats.
Key capabilities include:
- multi-wavelength configuration (green, blue, infrared);
- scalable optical power (1–10W);
- adjustable beam divergence (2.5–50mrad);
- precision beam control and dynamic regulation;
- lightweight, rifle-mounted architecture; and
- compatibility with standard military platforms.
The system is designed to:
- disrupt UAV visual and sensor systems;
- degrade electro-optical and infrared payloads;
- provide tactical perimeter defense; and
- enable rapid deployment in operational environments.
Strategic positioning within NUBURU’s defense platform
The Lyocon program represents a key component of NUBURU’s broader defense & security platform, including activities led by Nuburu Defense LLC, which integrates:
- directed-energy technologies;
- electronic warfare systems;
- AI-enabled mission software; and
- mobile and tactical defense solutions.
Lyocon operates as a subsidiary within the NUBURU group and serves as a core operating unit for its directed-energy and defense-related initiatives.
Management commentary
“This initial deployment marks an important milestone for our team as we transition from development and validation into operational field deployment,” says Lyocon’s executive director Paola Zanzola. “The successful completion of the evaluation process demonstrates the effectiveness of our technology in real-world scenarios and supports further expansion into broader defense applications, he adds.”
“This engagement represents a significant step in NUBURU’s strategy to establish a scalable presence within the global counter-drone defense market,” says Dario Barisoni, co-CEO of NUBURU Inc & CEO of Nuburu Defense LLC. “Entry into a government-led defense ecosystem of this scale validates both our technology and our broader platform approach, and we believe it provides a foundation for future expansion across additional programs and international markets.”
Commercial outlook
NUBURU expects that this initial deployment may:
- serve as a reference implementation for additional defense customers;
- support follow-on procurement opportunities; and
- enable expansion into broader operational programs.
NUBURU says that it will continue to advance discussions with defense and security organizations globally as part of its commercial expansion strategy.
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