Northrop Grumman develops Skyguard laser system.

REDONDO BEACH, CA -- Northrop Grumman has developed the Skyguard laser-based air defense system for U.S. government agencies and allies that require near-term defense against short-range ballistic missiles, short- and long-range rockets, artillery shells, mortars, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles.

Skyguard is derived from the successful Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL) test bed and its predecessors developed by Northrop Grumman for the U.S. Army and the Israel Ministry of Defence. It uses the same laser technology as the THEL--a deuterium fluoride laser--but with higher power and a larger beam, according to the company.

"We believe that no other …