The Defense Department has tapped Lockheed Martin to begin integrating a low-power laser on a high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle, the first of a small number of contracts slated to be awarded this year to develop competing approaches for a potential precursor to an airborne laser capable of intercepting ballistic missiles during the boost-phase of flight. On Oct. 5, the Missile Defense Agency awarded Lockheed a $9.4 million, nine-month contract to develop a Low Power Laser Demonstrator (LPLD) missile interceptor concept...