This article is based on an official press release from Robins Air Force Base and supporting data from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Robins AFB Team Leads Rollout of Next-Gen “Block 3” Laser Eye Protection

As incidents of laser strikes against Commercial-Aircraft reach record highs, the United States Air Force is accelerating the deployment of advanced protective eyewear designed to shield pilots from blinding light and physical debris. Leading this critical sustainment effort is a specialized team at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, working under the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Human Systems Division (AFLCMC/ROU).

The initiative focuses on the “Block 3” Aircrew Laser Eye Protection (ALEP) system, a modular suite of eyewear that represents a significant technological leap over previous iterations. According to the Air Force, the service plans to field more than 42,000 of these devices to units worldwide between 2027 and 2029. The program aims to counter the growing prevalence of handheld lasers, which can cause flash blindness and incapacitate pilots during critical phases of flight.

While the Human Systems Division is headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, the Operations and Support team responsible for validating and sustaining this gear operates out of Robins AFB. Their work ensures that the equipment not only meets technical specifications but also functions practically for aircrews operating in diverse and dangerous environments.

The “Block 3” Capability Leap

The Block 3 ALEP system is not a single pair of glasses but a comprehensive kit comprising six distinct devices. These include day spectacles, night spectacles, ballistic spectacles, and visors designed to integrate with night vision goggles. The new system addresses several limitations found in the older Block 2 gear, specifically regarding color perception and physical protection.

One of the most significant upgrades is the inclusion of ballistic protection. For the first time, the ALEP system combines laser filtration with impact resistance, a critical feature for aircrews in “low and slow” aircraft, such as Helicopters and CV-22 Ospreys, who face threats from ground fire and shrapnel in addition to directed energy.

Kevin Frost, a mechanical engineer with the AFLCMC/ROU Operation and Support team, emphasized the importance of these upgrades in the official release. The new lenses utilize advanced dyes capable of filtering a broader spectrum of light wavelengths, offering protection against a wider variety of laser colors, including green and blue lasers which are increasingly common.

Solving the Night Vision Challenge

A persistent complaint regarding previous laser eye protection was the degradation of visual clarity during night operations. Older lenses often blocked too much visible light or distorted colors, making it difficult for pilots to read instruments or identify terrain. The Block 3 night spectacles have been engineered to allow more natural light to pass through while still filtering harmful laser frequencies.

Eric Miltner, an equipment specialist with the team at Robins AFB, noted that the team travels directly to bases to validate the equipment with the Airmen who will use it. This hands-on approach ensures that technical manuals are clear and that the gear integrates seamlessly with existing flight equipment.

“We go to an actual base where people are going to be using this equipment… We show them the manual, and we let them walk through the steps without us assisting just to make sure it all makes sense.”

, Eric Miltner, AFLCMC/ROU Equipment Specialist

The Rising Threat of Laser Strikes

The deployment of Block 3 comes at a time when laser strikes are becoming a frequent hazard for both military and commercial aviation. According to data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), pilots reported 12,840 laser strikes in 2024 alone, averaging roughly 35 incidents per day. This represents a nearly 48% increase since 2020. Reports for 2025 have already exceeded 10,000 incidents, signaling that the trend is not slowing down.

Master Sgt. Bridgette Brzezinski, the 78th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineering flight chief, highlighted the medical and psychological dangers posed by these strikes. While permanent blindness is rare, the immediate effects can be catastrophic.

“Laser exposures can severely disrupt critical phases of flight… and can have significant psychological effects on aircrew even at distances where ocular damage is unlikely.”

, Master Sgt. Bridgette Brzezinski

The primary danger is “flash blindness,” a phenomenon similar to the afterimage caused by a camera flash, but continuous. If this occurs during takeoff or landing, a pilot may lose the ability to see flight instruments. Furthermore, in a military context, a laser strike can be interpreted as a targeting designator from a weapon system, causing significant psychological stress and distraction.

Legal and Industry Context

Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime under 18 U.S. Code § 39A. Offenders face up to five years in prison and criminal fines of up to $250,000. Additionally, the FAA can impose civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation. Despite these severe penalties, the frequency of strikes continues to rise, necessitating the defensive measures being rolled out by the Air Force.

The Block 3 eyewear is manufactured by Gentex Corporation, a long-standing defense contractor based in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, known for producing helmet systems and respiratory protection for military personnel.

AirPro News Analysis

The rollout of Block 3 ALEP signifies a shift in how the Air Force views optical threats. In the past, laser protection might have been considered a niche safety requirement. Today, with the proliferation of high-powered handheld lasers and the increasing use of directed energy weapons in global conflicts, optical shielding has become as essential as ballistic body armor.

We observe that the inclusion of ballistic protection in the Block 3 kit is particularly telling. It suggests a doctrine where pilots are expected to operate in contested environments where threats are multi-dimensional, simultaneously kinetic (shrapnel) and optical (lasers). By consolidating these protections into a single modular system, the Air Force is reducing the logistical burden on aircrews while enhancing their survivability.

The work being done at Robins AFB by the AFLCMC/ROU team highlights the critical role of sustainment and validation. High-tech gear is useless if it is uncomfortable or incompatible with other equipment. By validating these systems on the ground with the Airmen who use them, the Air Force is ensuring that the $42,000+ unit rollout translates into actual operational readiness rather than just warehouse inventory.

Sources: Robins Air Force Base, Federal Aviation Administration