For the first time scientists and engineers have successfully fired a high powered laser energy weapon from a British Army combat vehicle.
This ground-breaking test, conducted at Dstl’s range in Porton Down, saw the laser weapon neutralise targets at distances in excess of 1km.
The high-energy laser weapon mounted on to a British Army Wolfhound armoured vehicle, represents a major leap forward in the UK Ministry of Defence’s Land Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) Demonstrator programme, providing increased operational advantage on the battlefield. It is reported the laser weapon can accurately hit a £1 coin from a distance of 1km.
Raytheon’s high-energy laser weapon system (HELWS) was mounted on a British Army Wolfhound armoured truck and rigorously tested at the Government’s Porton Down science and defence technology campus in Wiltshire. This test marks the inaugural UK trial of the weapon, which is part of the Ministry of Defence’s ambitious programme to develop directed energy weapons.
James Gray, CEO and Managing Director of Raytheon UK, stated:
“We have demonstrated that the Raytheon high-energy laser weapon system can successfully track and engage targets while mounted on a vehicle. The rapid delivery of this capability is a testament to the dedication of our British partners, alongside Raytheon’s operationally proven technology.”
MOD Crown Copyright News / Editorial Licence.
The HELWS, already sanctioned for use by the US military, is engineered to intercept and destroy small drones. It is designed to seamlessly integrate with existing air defence systems, such as radar. The urgency for effective anti-drone systems is escalating as low-cost drones become increasingly prominent on modern battlefields, demonstrated by their heavy utilisation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Matt Cork of DSTL commented:
“The collaborative efforts between DSTL, DE&S, and industry have facilitated the swift evolution of this laser demonstrator. The successful testing of this high-powered laser weapon signifies a crucial milestone in our ongoing mission to enhance the future operational capabilities of the British Army. This technology provides a precise, powerful, and cost-effective method to counter aerial threats, ensuring superior protection for our forces.”
Recently, British and American naval vessels have had to deploy multimillion-pound missiles to neutralise inexpensive drones launched by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. Utilising lasers to down drones presents a more economical and efficient solution, with each laser shot costing significantly less than conventional missile systems.
Several UK-based firms, including Frazer Nash, NP Aerospace, LumOptica, Blighter Surveillance Systems, and Cambridge Pixel, contributed vital technology to the project.
This trial follows the MOD’s successful demonstration of Dragonfire, another laser weapon system slated for deployment on Navy warships by 2027. Dragonfire was developed by a consortium comprising MBDA, Leonardo, and QinetiQ.
Raytheon’s HELWS is being advanced in collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), both integral components of the MOD.
