The British Army has achieved a significant milestone in defence innovation by successfully testing a high-energy laser weapon mounted on an armoured vehicle. This marks the first time such a system has been deployed from a vehicle in the UK, with the trials taking place at Radnor Range in mid-Wales.
Mounted on a Wolfhound armoured troop-carrying vehicle, the Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) demonstrated its ability to track and destroy airborne drones. The system employs an intense beam of infra-red light, directed with precision by advanced sensors and real-time tracking mechanisms, ensuring lock-on accuracy even against moving targets.
Unlike conventional munitions, laser weapons offer virtually limitless ammunition, presenting a potentially cost-effective alternative for future battlefield use. This successful test signals a step forward in integrating advanced technology into the UK’s defence arsenal.
Government Support for Cutting-Edge Defence Capabilities
Maria Eagle MP, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, hailed the achievement, stating:
“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 development and testing of the laser system are part of the UK Government’s broader Plan for Change initiative, which aims to fast-track innovation and bolster national security through advanced technologies.
Industry Collaboration Driving Innovation
The LDEW is the product of a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), and a consortium of industry partners led by Raytheon UK. The consortium also includes Fraser Nash, NP Aerospace, LumOptica, Blighter Surveillance Systems, and Cambridge Pixel. The project operates under a £16.8 million contract awarded by Team Hersa, a partnership between DE&S and Dstl.
Stephen Waller, DE&S Directed Energy Weapons Team Leader, highlighted the strategic importance of the technology:
“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.”
Battlefield Potential and Operational Success
Soldiers from the British Army’s 16 Royal Artillery were instrumental in testing the weapon. The trials demonstrated the system’s effectiveness across a range of scenarios, including various distances, speeds, and altitudes of drone targets. Warrant Officer Matthew Anderson, Trials Manager for the British Army’s Mounted Close Combat Trials and Development Group, remarked:
“Every engagement we’ve done has removed a drone from the sky. It’s definitely a capability that could be added to the arsenal of weapons that we use on the battlefield.”
The trials aim to provide valuable insights into the potential applications of laser weapons, ensuring the UK remains a leader in this disruptive technology. The learnings from the current demonstrator programme will inform future decisions on the operational deployment of such systems.
A Promising Future for Directed Energy Weapons
Matt Cork, Head of Team Hersa at Dstl, underscored the broader implications of the successful tests:
“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.”
The MOD will now evaluate the trial outcomes to determine the necessary steps for further development and potential frontline deployment of Laser Directed Energy Weapons by the British Army.
Implications for Defence Strategy
The increasing use of drones in modern warfare underscores the need for innovative countermeasures. Directed energy weapons, such as the LDEW, offer a promising solution, combining precision, scalability, and cost efficiency. As the technology continues to evolve, it may redefine the operational capabilities of armed forces, ensuring that the UK remains well-prepared to address emerging threats.
With the successful tests at Radnor Range, the British Army has demonstrated its commitment to harnessing advanced technology to maintain a tactical edge, setting the stage for the next generation of battlefield innovation.
Image source: UK Ministry of Defence
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