Footage shows a British Army Wolfhound vehicle firing a Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW).

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.

According to a statement:

“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.”

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.”

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 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.

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George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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Barry Larking
Barry Larking (@guest_838318)
1 month ago

Deterrence is based upon showing real intent. So what ever else, this has to be a demonstration of that intent to our adversaries.

Lonpfrb
Lonpfrb (@guest_838517)
1 month ago
Reply to  Barry Larking

Surely a credible test would involve FPV drone operators from Ukraine to know if DEW will really be effective against the state of the art Drones and combat tested pilots…

PGS
PGS (@guest_838703)
1 month ago
Reply to  Lonpfrb

I agree, they’d make a great ‘red team’ adversary to any Western nation seeking to combat this threat, not just via this system but in general.

Lonpfrb
Lonpfrb (@guest_839224)
1 month ago
Reply to  PGS

We just need to help them send the orcs back to mordor first then they will have FPV experts to spare…

Quill
Quill (@guest_838908)
1 month ago
Reply to  Lonpfrb

I suspect for those types of drones, an automatic turret with shotgun pellets would be more effective. For the smaller drones, burst or pellet ammunition would definitely be more effective and feasible. Though I have no doubt even a laser could have effectiveness.

Lonpfrb
Lonpfrb (@guest_839225)
1 month ago
Reply to  Quill

The DEW step up is short reload times and low shot costs so that everything up to a drone swarm can be defeated, which expensive missiles or cheaper kinetic rounds can’t achieve.

Shane Ramshaw
Shane Ramshaw (@guest_839676)
1 month ago
Reply to  Lonpfrb

I still think that something akin to the WW2 M16 with a targeting radar would be more efficient and effective against drones. It would also be a lot cheaper and not require a massive power pack that needs recharging.