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The British Army has successfully tested its high-energy laser weapon system, mounted on an armored vehicle, to target and destroy drones. This successful trial, which took place at Radnor Range in mid-Wales, demonstrates the growing potential of directed energy technology for military applications.
Developed through a collaboration between the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), and Raytheon UK, the laser weapon uses advanced sensors and tracking systems to precisely lock onto and eliminate flying drones. The weapon delivers an intense infra-red laser beam that destroys targets with pinpoint accuracy, and the trials involved the 16 Royal Artillery using a Wolfhound armored vehicle to engage the drones.
One of the most significant advantages of laser weapons over traditional armaments is their virtually unlimited ammunition supply. Unlike conventional systems, which rely on finite munitions, laser weapons are powered by electricity, making them cost-effective and sustainable for dealing with drone threats. The technology could help counter the growing use of drones in modern warfare, which has raised concerns about vulnerabilities on the battlefield.
In the press release, Warrant Officer Matthew Anderson, trials manager for the British Army’s Mounted Close Combat Trials and Development Group, noted that every engagement with the weapon successfully neutralized the drone, emphasizing the weapon’s speed and efficiency.
The successful trials are part of a larger effort to explore the potential of directed energy weapons for future military operations. The technology could provide a significant operational advantage, particularly in countering the growing presence of drones in conflict zones.
Although still an emerging technology, the trials are seen as a critical step in the development of laser weapons. They offer valuable data that will help guide future decisions and ensure that the UK military remains at the forefront of defense innovation. The technology could one day become a key asset in protecting against a wide range of aerial threats.
