The Missile Defense Agency has tapped General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems to study diode-pumped alkali laser (DPAL) technology -- including potential applications for shooting down long-range threats as part of the Missile Defense System. On Jan. 12, MDA awarded the San Diego, CA-based company a potential $663,880 contract to “perform various studies on diode-pumped alkali laser (DPAL) technology,” according to a notice published last week . Congress has added money to MDA’s budget for the DPAL program annually since the Office...
