NSTXL Awarded Joint Directed Energy Consortium (JDEC) to Accelerate Next-Generation Directed Energy Innovation

August 18, 2026

NSTXL is proud to be selected as the consortium manager for the Joint Directed Energy Consortium (JDEC). This agreement was awarded by the Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) in support of the Department of War’s (DoW) Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)) Scaled Directed Energy (SCADE).

SCADE is a DoW critical technology area (CTA) focused on scaling advanced directed energy technologies to provide low-cost, high-impact solutions against emerging threats.

With NSTXL operating as consortium manager, JDEC launches with immediate access to one of the nation’s most robust defense innovation ecosystems. By combining SCADE’s mission-first approach with NSTXL’s acquisition expertise and industry connectivity, JDEC accelerates the development of directed energy capabilities from concept to deployment.

This is your opportunity to move mission-critical directed energy technologies from breakthrough to battlefield. Join the JDEC SCADE government team and NSTXL on September 1, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET to learn more about JDEC, the program’s priorities, upcoming initiatives, and opportunities for industry engagement. The webinar will also include a live Q&A.

JDEC has already launched its first Coming Soon Notice for Directed Energy Counter Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (DEcUAS). Become a JDEC member today to follow the opportunity, stay informed on updates, and be prepared to bid when it becomes available.

All NSTXL members are eligible to become JDEC members at no additional cost. Each company’s Point of Contact (POC) can add JDEC to their account through the member dashboard.

Not a current NSTXL member? Become a JDEC member for free to: