For the first time scientists and engineers have successfully fired a high powered laser energy weapon from a British Army combat vehicle.

This ground-breaking test, conducted at Dstl’s range in Porton Down, saw the laser weapon neutralise targets such as enemy drones at distances in excess of 1km.

The low-cost high-energy laser weapon, mounted on to a British Army Wolfhound armoured vehicle, is fully portable and easy to operate. The system can track multiple targets and engage at the speed of light.

It represents a major leap forward in the UK Ministry of Defence’s Land Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) Demonstrator programme, providing increased operational advantage on the battlefield.

Team Hersa, which pairs DE&S’ acquisition skills with Dstl’s technical expertise, has developed the laser in collaboration with a consortium of UK suppliers.

Stephen Waller, programme lead at DE&S, said:

“Our responsibility in Team Hersa is to work collabotatively with our partners and provide the engineering, commercial and project management expertise to help manage delivery of the demonstrators and prepare Defence for the introduction of innovative weapons systems. This high-powered firing is a significant step towards ensuring the UK Armed Forces can exploit this potentially game changing capability at pace so they have the edge against both current and future threats.”

Matt Cork, Dstl Programme Lead, added:

“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. This technology offers a precise, powerful and cost effective means to defeat aerial threats, ensuring greater protection for our forces.”

The integration of the advanced capability demonstrator on the Wolfhound will allow the Ministry of Defence along with the British Army to understand the utility of LDEW Systems against an evolving threat.

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 laser system operates with a command and control system and can be integrated with wider battle management radar and surveillance systems. The weapon can be mounted on various platforms to meet different operational needs.

The British supply chain includes: Raytheon UK, Fraser Nash, NP Aerospace, LumOptica, Blighter Surveillance Systems, and Cambridge Pixel.

James Gray, chief executive and managing director of Raytheon UK, said:

“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.”

The collaboration between DE&S, Dstl, industry, academia, and international allies, is addressing some of the most complex issues facing UK Defence and underscores a commitment to the UK Ministry of Defence’s by leveraging cutting-edge technology to maintain a strategic advantage in defence operations.