DRS Technologies has signed a long-term strategic agreement with Ionatron Inc., located in Tucson, Arizona. Under the agreement, the companies will engage in the cooperative development and selected application of Ionatron's laser-guided energy (LGE) and laser-induced, plasma-channel (LIPC) directed-energy weapon systems. In addition, the company's DRS Training & Control Systems unit in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, will investigate its own application of Ionatron's LIPC technology in marine applications.

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Under this agreement, DRS and Ionatron will work collaboratively to capture business opportunities in directed-energy weapons and tactical-grade power management systems and mobility platforms with initial fielding of these advanced technologies focused on the U.S. military market. DRS's investigation of marine applications is expected to look at the use of this technology in various marine-based operations for homeland security and defense applications relating to shipping ports and dockside protection.

Ionatron develops and markets laser-guided energy products, including directed-energy weapon technologies. DRS Training & Control Systems provides engineering, manufacturing and support for defense and aerospace systems in sea, land, air and space applications.