nLIGHT's stock soared 6.12% in pre-market trading on Tuesday, reflecting heightened investor interest in the defense technology sector.

The rally is attributed to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, where intensified conflict involving Iran, Israel, and allied forces marked by drone and missile attacks has driven focus toward companies specializing in counter-drone and directed-energy defense systems. nLIGHT, as a provider of lasers used in aerospace and defense applications for countering unmanned aerial systems, stands to benefit from this increased demand.

Adding to the positive sentiment, nLIGHT announced it will showcase several of its newest high-power laser weapon systems at an upcoming defense technology conference in March. The company plans to highlight new 70-kW, 30-kW, and 10-kW high-energy laser systems, underscoring its role in modern military technology and future growth prospects in the defense sector.