RTX invests in Xcimer Energy for pulsed-laser defense technology

RTX Ventures has made a minority investment in Xcimer Energy Corporation to support the development of scalable, multi-kilojoule-class pulsed-laser technologies. The two companies have entered into a teaming agreement to explore integrating and containerizing Xcimer’s pulsed-laser technology into RTX’s defense systems, aiming to provide the U.S. military with new directed-energy capabilities to counter airborne threats.

The collaboration addresses shared engineering challenges in both laser fusion and laser defense: the need to build lasers that fire pulses repeatedly and reliably at a low cost per joule while remaining mass-manufacturable and energy-efficient. Xcimer is utilizing excimer-based laser technology, which the company claims offers greater performance, speed, and scalability at a lower cost and complexity than current market systems.

In addition to defense applications, the investment supports Xcimer’s laser fusion energy roadmap. In June, the U.S. Department of Energy approved Xcimer’s fusion pilot power plant design as part of its Milestone-based Fusion Development Program.