The F-35A has a total power supply of 80-240 kW [54]. However, an effective high-energy laser weapon (DEW) requires 400-500 kW of electrical power to operate a 50-100 kW solid-state laser [55].
The SHiELD programme (Self-Protect High-Energy Laser Demonstrator) was intended to develop a laser pod for the F-22 and F-35. It was launched in 2016 and cancelled in 2024 -- no laser pod was ever mounted on a fighter aircraft [56]. The reason: the SWAP challenges (Size, Weight, and Power) on tactical fighter aircraft proved insurmountable [56].
The Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP) would have delivered 30% greater fuel efficiency and additional power but was cancelled in March 2023 (cost: over USD 6 billion for integration) [57]. Its replacement -- the Engine Core Upgrade (ECU) -- delivers only 7% improvements in range and thrust and does not close the energy gap for DEW [57].
Given the massive drone threat (Ukraine conflict), a DEW capability would be desirable. The F-35 cannot become a platform for directed energy weapons due to its power budget. The 100 kW lasers needed for drone defence far exceed the available capacity.
Translated from the German version. See the German version for complete references.