The Boeing Company has been awarded an estimated $90 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract for the development and delivery of an experimental laser pod. The contractor will provide research and development of high energy laser technologies through the next five years.

The laser pod referred to in this award is likely to be the Self-Protect High Energy Laser Demonstrator (SHiELD). In August Northrop Grumman was selected to develop the laser beam director turret for this high energy laser weapons system designed to protect tactical fighter planes from incoming missiles.