Directed energy describes weapons or tools that send concentrated beams of energy—such as lasers, microwaves, or particle streams—toward a target to heat, disable, or disrupt it rather than using conventional projectiles. Like using a magnifying glass to focus sunlight on a single spot, these systems can deliver effects at speed and with precision. Investors watch directed energy because it drives defense and high-tech spending, influences regulatory and export rules, and carries long development timelines and maintenance costs that affect company value.
supply‑chain resiliencytechnical
Supply‑chain resiliency is a company’s ability to keep making and delivering products when something goes wrong — for example, when a supplier fails, transport is delayed, or demand suddenly spikes. Investors care because a resilient supply chain protects revenue and profits by reducing costly interruptions and unexpected costs, much like having backup power and multiple roads to reach a store so sales can continue even if one route is blocked.
lifecycle supporttechnical
Lifecycle support is the ongoing set of activities and services a company provides to keep a product safe, compliant, and competitive from launch until it is retired, including updates, customer service, regulatory filings, manufacturing changes and training. For investors, strong lifecycle support can mean more predictable revenue, lower surprise costs and reduced regulatory or reputational risk—like regular maintenance on a car that preserves value and prevents costly breakdowns.
counter‑uastechnical
Systems designed to detect, track, identify and stop unauthorized drones by using sensors, radio controls, nets, jamming signals, lasers or other physical measures. Investors care because rising use of small drones creates demand for these protective technologies across military, airports, utilities and public events; that demand can drive steady contracts, regulatory approvals and recurring service revenue. Think of them as an alarm-and-response system for the sky that protects people and assets.
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CAMAS, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
nLIGHT, Inc. (Nasdaq: LASR), a leading provider of high-power lasers for mission-critical directed energy, optical sensing, and advanced manufacturing applications, today announced plans to expand its existing operations in Torino, Italy, to support increased demand from European and allied customers for locally assembled directed energy solutions.
The expanded Torino footprint is expected to enhance nLIGHT’s ability to deliver high‑power laser subsystems and integrated directed energy components tailored to regional operational needs, while aligning with European localization, security, and supply‑chain resiliency requirements. The initiative builds on nLIGHT’s established presence in Italy and reflects the company’s long‑term commitment to supporting allied defense and security users with mission‑ready laser technology.
“As directed energy moves closer to operational deployment across NATO and other allied forces, proximity to our growing base of international customers and partners is increasingly important,” said Scott Keeney, President and Chief Executive Officer of nLIGHT. “Expanding our Torino operations enables us to assemble and support advanced laser solutions in‑region, accelerate customer engagement, and strengthen alignment with European industrial and defense ecosystems.”
Supporting International Requirements Through Localization
nLIGHT’s Torino expansion is expected to focus on local assembly, integration, test, and lifecycle support of directed energy laser subsystems intended for European and allied defense applications. By increasing in‑region capabilities, the company aims to reduce delivery timelines, enhance technical collaboration, and support sovereign and cooperative defense programs across a wide range of European and Middle Eastern customers.
The expansion also supports broader allied objectives around trusted supply chains, industrial participation, and interoperability by enabling closer coordination with in-region defense contractors, system integrators, and research partners.
“This investment reflects a strategic shift we are seeing across the defense technology sector—moving advanced manufacturing and integration closer to the customer,” added Andrea Braglia, nLIGHT’s Head of European Operations. “Torino provides us with a strong technical base, access to skilled talent, and a central location within the European and Middle Eastern defense market.”
Positioned for Growing Directed Energy Demand
Directed energy systems continue to gain traction globally as a scalable, cost‑effective solution for counter‑UAS, air and missile defense, and other emerging threats. nLIGHT’s laser technologies are designed to deliver the power, beam quality, efficiency, and reliability required for these demanding applications.
The Torino expansion complements nLIGHT’s existing R&D and manufacturing operations in the United States and supports the company’s strategy to serve customers through a globally distributed, security‑focused operating model.
About nLIGHT
nLIGHT, Inc. is a leading provider of high-power semiconductor and fiber lasers for mission-critical directed energy, optical sensing, and advanced manufacturing applications. Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT employs more than 800 people with operations in the United States, Europe and Asia. The company’s vertically integrated approach enables performance leadership from laser chip through system-level solutions. For more information, please visit www.nlight.net.
