Laser Photonics Corp (LASE)

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Laser Photonics and Fonon Technologies' Laser Shield Anti-Drone (LSAD) System Gets Picked as Finalist in Defense Innovation Challenge
Fonon to present the LSAD at the Defense TechConnect Innovation Summit & Expo

ORLANDO, FL / ACCESS Newswire / September 16, 2025 / Laser Photonics Corporation (NASDAQ:LASE) ("LPC"), $LASE, a global leader in industrial laser systems for cleaning and material processing applications, together with its defense partner Fonon Technologies ("FTI"), a provider of state-of-the-art laser technologies for material processing and defense infrastructures today announced, the Laser Shield Anti-Drone (LSAD) system was selected as a finalist in the counter unmanned aerial systems area of interest under the Autonomy, AI, and Cyber Critical Technology Challenge. FTI will present the development stage technology during the Defense TechConect Innovation Summit & Expo from November 19-21, 2025.

Bryan Lee, Vice President of Fonon Technologies, commented:
"The selection of our LSAD system as a finalist represents a pivotal moment in addressing one of the most pressing threats facing our military and homeland security today. With small drones increasingly responsible for battlefield casualties and infrastructure attacks, our laser-based solution offers the precision, speed and reliability needed to protect forward-operating bases, critical infrastructure and frontline personnel. This technology addresses the urgent mandate from the White House to restore American airspace sovereignty while positioning us at the forefront of the Department of Homeland Security's $100 million counter-drone procurement initiative. We're honored to demonstrate how American innovation can deliver next-generation defense capabilities that keep our nation secure."

Market Opportunity and Timing
The selection comes at a critical moment for U.S. national security. Small, low-cost drones have emerged as a significant threat on modern battlefields, increasingly responsible for military casualties and infrastructure damage. Recent White House executive orders emphasize the urgent need to "restore American airspace sovereignty" and prioritize domestic counter-drone solutions.

The market opportunity is substantial. The Department of Homeland Security has announced plans to award up to $100 million for counter-drone capabilities, while the U.S. Coast Guard has identified expanding maritime drone threats as a priority concern. The Department of Defense has established an interagency counter-drone task force to coordinate national defense efforts.

Technology Solution
The LSAD system represents a next-generation approach to neutralizing small-scale unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Unlike traditional kinetic solutions, the laser-based technology offers precision targeting capabilities designed to protect:

Forward-operating military bases
Critical infrastructure facilities
Frontline personnel and equipment
Lee continued, "With aerial drones increasingly accounting for battlefield casualties, the LSAD represents a breakthrough solution for defending our most vulnerable assets. We're honored to present this technology at the Defense TechConnect Summit, which connects the innovation community directly with the U.S. Department of Defense."

Strategic Partnership
The collaboration leverages LPC's established industrial laser expertise with FTI's specialized defense applications knowledge. FTI's leadership team brings deep military and naval operations experience, while LPC provides vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities and R&D resources.

Laser Photonics has built a strong foundation in laser technology, targeting the multi-billion surface preparation market currently dominated by traditional sand and abrasive blasting methods. The company's systems are already deployed by Fortune 1000 manufacturers across aviation, aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, maritime, nuclear and space exploration industries.

Investment Implications
For LPC investors, this Defense Innovation Challenge selection represents several key developments:

Market Validation: Pentagon recognition validates the commercial viability of the companies' joint technology approach.

Revenue Potential: The $100 million+ government procurement opportunity provides a clear path to potential contract revenue.

Competitive Positioning: Early-stage selection in a critical defense technology area positions both companies ahead of traditional defense contractors.

Scalability: Success in defense applications could accelerate adoption across commercial security markets.

About Fonon Technologies
Fonon Technologies is a diversified industrial laser equipment provider serving government organizations, all branches of the U.S. military, and defense contractors. Led by a team with deep expertise in military and naval operations, the company tackles the challenges of defense maintenance, repair, overhaul and protection with advanced laser solutions. For more information, visit?https://www.fonon.us.

About Laser Photonics Corporation