Scientists and engineers have successfully tested a high-powered laser weapon mounted on a British Army combat vehicle.
According to the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD), this trial marks the first instance of such a weapon being fired from a UK land vehicle.
The trial, conducted at Dstl’s range in Porton Down, saw the laser weapon effectively neutralise targets at distances greater than 1km.
“The trialled laser weapon requires only two personnel to operate and could take less than two weeks to be trained on. The next phase of testing will involve trials with Army personnel later this year, further evaluating the system’s capabilities and benefits in real-world scenarios. The demonstrator has been tested by Team Hersa, comprising Dstl and DE&S, and developed in collaboration with a consortium of UK suppliers and showcases the potential of advanced technology in modern warfare. The British supply chain includes Raytheon UK, Fraser Nash, NP Aerospace, LumOptica, Blighter Surveillance Systems, and Cambridge Pixel.”
Mounted on a British Army Wolfhound armoured vehicle, the system represents a major development in the MOD’s Land Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) Demonstrator programme, which aims to provide enhanced operational advantages on the battlefield.
The laser weapon is described as lightweight, portable, and cost-effective, specifically developed to counter enemy drones. This advanced capability demonstrator allows the MOD and the British Army to evaluate the utility of LDEW systems against evolving threats.
Dr Paul Hollinshead, Chief Executive of Dstl, highlighted the significance of this development, stating, “This is another significant milestone in accelerating the adoption of directed energy weapons. Working ever closer with DE&S and industry to develop critical new capabilities, we are preparing the armed forces for the future so they can detect, disable, and destroy future and novel threats.”
The next phase of testing will involve trials with Army personnel later this year, further assessing the system’s capabilities in real-world scenarios. The laser system can track multiple targets and engage them almost instantaneously, offering a precise and powerful method to counter aerial threats.
Matt Cork, Dstl Programme Lead, remarked, “The joint working between Dstl, DE&S, and industry has enabled rapid evolution of this laser demonstrator. The successful testing of this high-powered laser weapon marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to enhance the future operational capabilities of the British Army.”
Developed in collaboration with a consortium of UK suppliers, including Raytheon UK, Fraser Nash, NP Aerospace, LumOptica, Blighter Surveillance Systems, and Cambridge Pixel, the laser system showcases the potential of advanced technology in modern warfare. It operates with a command and control system and can be integrated with broader battle management, radar, and surveillance systems.
The weapon can also be mounted on various platforms to meet different operational needs.
James Gray, Chief Executive and Managing Director of Raytheon UK, praised the achievement, noting, “In successfully firing the first laser weapon integrated on a land vehicle in the UK, Dstl has proven that the Raytheon high energy laser weapon system can track, engage, and defeat targets whilst mounted on a vehicle. We now look forward to the British Army experimenting with the weapon over the coming months and proving that the technology is battlefield ready.”