The British Army has successfully shot down an airborne drone for the first time using a high-energy laser weapon fired from an armoured vehicle.
The laser system was mounted on a Wolfhound, a protected troop transport vehicle, enabling soldiers from the 16 Royal Artillery to engage and eliminate hovering targets at Radnor Range in mid-Wales.
This innovative system operates by emitting a concentrated beam of infrared light directed at its targets, utilizing sophisticated sensors and tracking technologies that ensure real-time lock-on and precision. In contrast to conventional munitions, laser weapons offer an almost unlimited supply of ammunition, potentially providing a more economical alternative to some existing weaponry.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said: “This ground-breaking technology demonstrates Britain’s commitment to staying at the forefront of military innovation.”
“The successful testing of this laser weapon system represents a significant step forward in our development of possible future defence capabilities and showcases British engineering excellence.”
The laser weapon system has been created as a result of a partnership between the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), collectively referred to as Team Hersa, along with an industry consortium spearheaded by Raytheon UK. This initiative aligns with the UK Government’s Plan for Change by swiftly progressing technological advancements and reinforcing the robust framework of national security.
Warrant Officer Matthew Anderson, trials manager for the British Army’s Mounted Close Combat Trials and Development Group, said: “Every engagement we’ve done has removed a drone from the sky. While we’ve been testing a variety of distances, speeds and altitudes, one thing has remained – how quick a drone can be taken out.”
“It’s definitely a capability that could be added to the arsenal of weapons that we use on the battlefield.”
The capability demonstrator programme aims to explore and evaluate the prospective applications of directed energy weapons within the British Army. Following prior assessments conducted by engineers from the MOD and industry partners, the recent trials undertaken by the British Army are expected to yield valuable insights, data, and practical experience. This will aid in informing future requirements and decisions, thereby ensuring that the United Kingdom remains a leader in this innovative and transformative technology.
Stephen Waller, Directed Energy Weapons Team Leader for DE&S, said: “This is still an emerging technology, but the world has changed and we are seeing more use of drones in the battlespace. This requires a more cost-effective solution to protect our troops.”
“Having the capability to track and eliminate moving drones will give UK troops a better operational advantage and these successful trials have demonstrated that we are well on our way to achieving this.”
In addition to Raytheon, Fraser Nash, NP Aerospace, LumOptica, Blighter Surveillance Systems, and Cambridge Pixel have participated in the development of the weapon under a £16.8 million contract granted by Team Hersa. The UK Ministry of Defence will consider the insights gained from this project and evaluate the essential measures required to advance Laser Directed Energy Weapons for potential deployment by the British Army in the future.
Matt Cork, Head of Team Hersa Dstl said: “The successful testing of the Laser Directed Energy Weapon demonstrator is an important step towards a future capability. This technology has the potential to offer a credible and cost-effective means to defeat a range of current and future threats, which would improve the effectiveness of our armed forces”