NUBURU Inc. has secured its first deployment order in the Asia-Pacific region for a portable directed-energy counter-drone system, marking a strategic entry into a rapidly expanding global defense market. The order, valued at approximately $250,000, was awarded to its wholly owned subsidiary, Lyocon S.r.l., by a tier-one government-owned defense electronics organization.
The system, designed for counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (C-UAV) applications, will be deployed following a multi-phase validation process that included prototype trials, production-level testing, and technical performance verification. The transition from validation to operational deployment represents a key milestone for the company as it moves into real-world defense environments.
Global demand for counter-drone technologies has intensified in recent years, driven by the proliferation of low-cost unmanned aerial systems (UAS) across both military and civilian settings. Defense agencies are increasingly prioritizing non-kinetic solutions, such as directed-energy systems, that can neutralize threats without physical interception.
Lyocon’s portable laser dazzler system leverages semiconductor-based directed-energy technology to disrupt UAV visual and sensor systems. The platform features multi-wavelength capabilities across green, blue, and infrared spectrums, scalable optical power ranging from 1W to 10W, and adjustable beam divergence. Its lightweight, rifle-mounted design enables rapid deployment in dynamic operational scenarios, including perimeter defense and mobile asset protection.
The customer organization, a government-controlled defense electronics integrator, plays a central role in national defense modernization, overseeing system integration and deployment across multiple operational domains. The engagement provides NUBURU with a strategic foothold within a centralized procurement ecosystem, potentially enabling broader deployment across armed forces, homeland security, and integrated air defense frameworks.
In parallel with the initial deployment, NUBURU is engaged in discussions for a potential second-phase program. This phase could involve expanded deployment scenarios, additional system configurations, and a broader production scope, with an estimated value ranging between $575,000 and $800,000. Subject to successful execution, follow-on contracts could be formalized in 2026, with deliveries expected in 2027.
The company has designed the Lyocon system with modularity and scalability in mind, allowing for flexible configuration and integration into layered defense architectures. This approach supports a transition from initial deployments to larger-scale production programs, with potential improvements in cost efficiency as manufacturing volumes increase.
According to industry estimates, the global counter-UAS market is projected to exceed $20 billion by 2030, driven by increasing adoption of integrated defense systems combining detection, electronic warfare, and directed-energy technologies. Portable, non-kinetic solutions are emerging as a critical segment, particularly for protecting personnel and critical infrastructure.
NUBURU views this initial deployment as a reference point for future engagements with defense customers worldwide. The company plans to expand its presence in the global defense sector through continued innovation in directed-energy systems, electronic warfare, and AI-enabled mission technologies.
