Attalon Ships First Production kWIC Disconnect Subsystem, Enabling Field-Serviceable High-Energy Laser Systems

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Attalon, Inc., an independent U.S.-based defense technology company specializing in directed energy, optical, coating and thermal technologies for mission-critical platforms, today announced shipment of its first production Kilowatt Interconnect (kWIC) Disconnect subsystem, taking directed energy to the next step with field-serviceable high-energy laser systems.

The shipment, produced in Bloomfield, Connecticut, marks a milestone in directed energy sustainment by enabling rapid, in-field replacement of laser amplifiers without fiber splicing or specialized maintenance personnel.

In traditional high-energy laser systems, replacing damaged or failed amplifiers requires fiber splicing performed by highly trained technicians using specialized equipment. Attalon’s kWIC Disconnect, manufactured in Traverse City, Michigan, eliminates that bottleneck by allowing operators to disconnect a faulty amplifier and plug in a replacement in minutes—reducing downtime and restoring mission readiness.

"Now that directed energy systems have transitioned from prototypes to operational weapons, serviceability becomes just as important as performance," said John Bergeron, Chief Executive Officer of Attalon. "The kWIC Disconnect represents a significant advancement in maintainability by allowing warfighters to replace critical laser components in the field without specialized fiber optic expertise. It is exactly the kind of innovation required to enable high-energy laser systems to move beyond prototypes and become a reliable part of the layered defense architecture."

Engineered for kilowatt-class laser systems, the kWIC Disconnect maintains precise optical alignment and provides a rugged, repeatable connection suitable for next-generation directed energy architectures. Built-in verification checks confirm proper alignment before the laser fires, enhancing safety and ensuring reliable operation. The technology enables line-replaceable amplifier modules that simplify maintenance and improve availability for deployed systems.

"The future battlefield demands systems that are not only powerful but sustainable," said Matt Straup, Vice President and General Manager, Directed Energy & Advanced Lasers at Attalon. "Our customers have long recognized that field maintenance of high-power fiber lasers presents unique challenges. The kWIC Disconnect removes one of the most significant barriers by giving operators the ability to quickly swap amplifiers and return systems to service without leaving the fight."

This initial production shipment represents another step in Attalon's continued investment in scalable directed energy technologies supporting U.S. and allied defense programs. As the company expands production capacity across lasers, optics and advanced subsystems, innovations like the kWIC Disconnect are enabling the next generation of fielded high-energy laser capabilities.

About Attalon

Attalon, Inc. is an independent U.S. defense technology company specializing in advanced subsystems, precision-engineered components and coatings that enable mission-critical defense platforms. Focused on performance, reliability and mission impact, Attalon designs and manufactures laser, optical and thermal technologies that support the next generation of defense capabilities. The company is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with operations across the United States.