PREVIEW

British scientists and engineers have successfully fired a high-powered laser energy weapon from a British Army combat vehicle for the first time.
The ground-breaking test took place at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl’s) range in Porton Down, where the Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) neutralised targets at distances over 1km.
The high-energy laser, mounted on a British Army Wolfhound armoured vehicle, represents a significant advancement in the UK Ministry of Defence’s Land Laser Directed Energy Weapon Demonstrator programme.
This lightweight, portable high-energy laser system is the first of its kind integrated onto a land vehicle and fired in the UK. The system can track and engage multiple targets faster than the speed of light - then shoot them down with its laser.
The next phase of testing will involve trials with Army personnel later this year to further assess the system’s capabilities in real-world scenarios.
Dr Paul Hollinshead OBE MBA, Dstl Chief Executive, remarked, "This is another significant milestone in accelerating the adoption of directed energy weapons. Working ever closer with DE&S (Defence Equipment and Support)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."
Managed by Team Hersa, a collaboration between Dstl, DE&S, and industry, the project aims to rapidly evolve this laser demonstrator.
Matt Cork, Dstl Programme Lead, highlighted the importance of joint efforts, stating, "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."
The laser system, developed with a consortium of UK suppliers including Raytheon UK, Frazer-Nash, NP Aerospace, LumOptica, Blighter Surveillance Systems, and Cambridge Pixel, showcases the potential of advanced technology in modern warfare. The system integrates with command and control, radar, and surveillance systems and can be mounted on various platforms to meet different operational needs.
James Gray, Chief Executive and Managing Director of Raytheon UK, added: "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."