Non-Lethal Weapons Program

Photo by Jamal B. Beck, JNLWD

JNLWD Leadership Engages Armament Tech Industry at 2019 Armament Systems Forum (ASF)

One doesn’t typically associate NLW with small arms systems, rockets, and missiles, however JNLWD leadership accepted an invitation to discuss its mission at the National Defense Industrial Assoc.’s annual ASF this month. Colonel W.B. Leimbach, Jr., JNLWD Director; Kevin Swenson, Acquisitions Division Chief; and Dave Law, Chief Scientist, introduced attendees to the DoD NLW Program’s role in the 2018 U.S. National Defense Strategy, JNLWP Science and Technology Strategic Plan, as well as small arms and emerging armament investments. NLW provide operating forces with intermediate force capabilities between presence and lethal effects while minimizing casualties and collateral damage.

JNLWD Director Non-Lethal Capabilities and Requirements

Current
Non-Lethal Weapons

Developing
Non-Lethal Weapons

Future
Non-Lethal Weapons

What's New?

Vessel Incapacitating Power Effect Radiation (VIPER) Program is a Research and Development Based Operational Utility Assessment

The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) is issuing this sources sought and request for information synopsis as a means of conducting market research to identify parties having an interest to support the Vessel Incapacitating Power Effect Radiation (VIPER) program of the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate (JNLWD). The VIPER program is a research and development-based Operational Utility Assessment (OUA) sponsored by the JNLWD that will provide a non-lethal, potentially reversible vessel stopping capability for the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement community. This approach provides a safer and more effective means to subdue non-compliant vessels within a dynamic environment.

Link to Federal Business Opportunity Announcement

REPORTS ON THE PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS IN ARMED CONFLICT

United Nations Assistance Mission: Afghanistan (UNAMA) prepares regular reports in accordance with its UN Security Council mandate, undertaking a range of activities aimed at minimizing the impact of the armed conflict on civilians. Since 2012, the reports have been prepared jointly with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Reports using a consistent methodology have been maintained since 2009. Note that earlier reports from 2007 and 2008 follow a previous reporting system and are included here for reference purposes only.

First Quarter, 2019 Report

PEVS system demonstrated for distinguished visitors

A car drives across the Pre-Emplaced Electric Vehicle Stopper to demonstrate its non-lethal stopping method on Feb. 13 in front of Tinker Air Force Base, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Ellsworth Air Force Base personnel, as well as members of the DOD Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate and a representative from Oklahoma Senator James Inhofe’s office. Besides PEVS being a non-lethal, scalable way of stopping unauthorized vehicles at entry control points, it is also a lower-cost and easier to maintain system. After a six-month pilot program at Tinker, the PEVS system may continue its trials at extreme cold weather and desert locations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Kelly White)

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Department of Defense Issues New Report on Civilian Casualty Policy

On February 1, 2019, the DOD issued a new report on civilian casualty policy. Among other things, the report directed that the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy name a senior civilian official, at or above the level of an Assistant Secretary of Defense to develop, coordinate, and oversee compliance with the policy of the Department relating to civilian casualties resulting from United States military operations.

Click here to read the full report

In the News

Are Non-Lethal Laser Drones the New Stun Guns?

June 4, 2019 - With a less-lethal weapon, there is always the risk that it might be bested by more-lethal means. Escalation and immediate response needs can lead to a shoot-first mentality, with less harmful tools kept as an alternative. But if those less-lethal tools are put on a robot, the danger suddenly shifts. Why not send a drone with a stun gun after a person with unknown armament? Worst comes to worst, it’s just another disabled robot.

Marines assess small business innovations during weeklong evaluation

May 23, 2019 - From April 29 to May 3, the Small Business Innovation Research program at Marine Corps Systems Command hosted a Limited Military User Assessment and Engineering Technical Review at the Gruntworks Squad Integration Facility aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico. The weeklong event enabled Marines to assess, demonstrate and provide feedback for promising SBIR prototype technologies from MCSC, Program Executive Officer Land Systems and the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate.

Inspiring speakers, technologies welcome attendees to AFRL Inspire, Tech Expo

May 22, 2019 - Seven people from Air Force Research Laboratory technology directorates across the country presented inspiring talks at the fourth AFRL Inspire event held May 16 at the Dayton Convention Center in front of more than 500 attendees.

Service-Related Non-Lethal Weapons Information

U.S. Navy Seal

National
Guard Bureau

U.S. Coast Guard

Non-Lethal Weapons Training	Non-Lethal Weapons Education	Unified Combatant Commands
Non-Lethal Capabilities and Requirements	Non-Lethal Human Effects	NATO Engagement

Why Non-Lethal Weapons?

Non-lethal weapons can provide operating forces with escalation-of-force options that can
minimize casualties and collateral damage.

Vision Mission Definition