DIRECTED ENERGY PROGRAMS FOR BALLISTIC AND HYPERSONIC MISSILE DEFENSE.

SEC. 1664. [10 U.S.C. 205 note] DIRECTED ENERGY PROGRAMS FOR BALLISTIC AND HYPERSONIC MISSILE DEFENSE. (a) Authority of the Missile Defense Agency.—The Secretary of Defense shall delegate to the Director of the Missile Defense Agency the authority to budget for, direct, and manage directed energy programs applicable for ballistic and hypersonic missile defense missions, in coordination with other directed energy efforts of the Department of Defense. (b) Prioritization.—In budgeting for and directing directed energy programs applicable for ballistic and hypersonic defensive missions pursuant to subsection (a), the Director of the Missile Defense Agency shall— (1) prioritize the early research and development of technologies; and (2) address the transition of such technologies to industry to support future operationally relevant capabilities.