A phase‐conjugated Nd:glass laser technology delivering 20 J/pulse at 1 GW and 5 Hz prf is reliably employed for laser peening. With irradiances up to 10 GW/cm2 the laser's beam creates pressures that plastically yield metal surfaces leaving deep levels of compressive stress or desired plastic strain. The laser technology has solved the problem of a reliable high‐power, high‐rate laser for the peening process. The laser and technology has been proven in multiple industrial applications ranging from 787 Dreamliner engines to fuel efficient gas and steam electrical‐generator turbines to forming curvature in thick sections of the large wing skins for the new Boeing 747‐8.