The invention is an apparatus and method for free space pumping of active double-clad fiber based lasers and amplifiers. The apparatus comprises a laser emitting a signal laser beam; an active double-clad fiber having a core defining an optical axis of the apparatus and a pump cladding defining a cone of numerical aperture; an optical arrangement directing the signal laser beam along the optical axis through the core of the active double-clad fiber; at least one pump source emitting a pump beam; at least one delivery means coupling the pump beam to the pump cladding of the active double-clad fiber; and an optical arrangement coupling the amplified signal laser beam exiting the active double-clad fiber out of the apparatus.