Skip to navigationSkip to main contentSkip to right columnADVERTISEMENTMaham FatimaWed, July 15, 2026 at 2:10 PM GMT+2 1 min readnLIGHT Inc. (NASDAQ:LASR) is one of the best performing semiconductor stocks to invest in. On July 9, nLIGHT was selected for a Joint Laser Weapon System/JLWS agreement by the US Department of War to advance next-generation cruise missile defense. The contract includes an initial $44 million award with a total potential ceiling of $627 million, covering the development, integration, and eventual production of high-energy laser platforms.The program aims to transition directed energy technology from prototypes to field-ready systems, initially targeting 150 kW and scaling to 300–500 kW for robust defense. These containerized laser weapons offer tactical advantages over kinetic systems, providing speed-of-light engagement and cost-effective defense against high-volume threats like UAS swarms and cruise missiles.Is nLIGHT (LASR) One of the Best Performing Semiconductor Stocks to Invest In?Utilizing its proprietary beam-combination and atmospheric correction technology, nLIGHT Inc. (NASDAQ:LASR) will deliver modular systems suitable for both land and maritime deployment. This contract uses an Other Transaction Authority agreement to facilitate rapid prototyping and accelerate the transition to large-scale production, supporting defense goals for operational deployments by 2028.nLIGHT Inc. (NASDAQ:LASR) provides semiconductor and fiber lasers for aerospace and defense, microfabrication, and industrial applications. The company operates through the Laser Products and Advanced Development segments.While we acknowledge the potential of LASR as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.READ NEXT: 33 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and Cathie Wood 2026 Portfolio: 10 Best Stocks to Buy.Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.Terms and Privacy PolicyEU DSA contactPrivacy & Cookie SettingsMore Info