PowerLight Technologies, a company based in Washington State, USA, is making significant strides in developing a cutting-edge technology for laser-based power transmission. This innovative approach is poised to grant military drones the capability of 'unlimited endurance' during flight. Presently, the pertinent system has reached a pivotal testing stage, a necessary precursor to its eventual practical application by the U.S. military.

Unlike a multitude of defense contractors that concentrate on weaponizing lasers, PowerLight has carved out a niche for itself by specializing in 'delivering power through light' as opposed to 'wielding light as a weapon.' The PTROL-UAS system, which it has developed, comprises a ground-based high-power laser transmitter and a lightweight receiver mounted on the drone. This setup allows for precise charging of drones even when they are soaring at altitudes of up to 5,000 feet.

The system employs sophisticated tracking algorithms to lock onto the drone and then emits high-energy lasers. Subsequently, the photovoltaic receiver on the drone converts these laser beams into electrical energy, which can either directly power the drone's motors or be used to charge its batteries. PowerLight has set its sights on conducting fully integrated flight tests in early 2026, with the aim of validating the technology in its final, optimized form.