While mysterious flocks of what might be drones plague the skies over the United States, across the pond, the British Army successfully tested a radical new and highly effective anti-UAV weapon in early December. It doesn’t rely on a projectile or propellant, firing solutions are computer controlled and it’s mobile—although hardly light enough for a Russian weightlifting team on steroids to haul around.
It works by directing an intense beam of infrared light in the form of energy toward its target, using advanced sensors and tracking systems that maintain lock-on and accuracy in real time. Unlike conventional munitions, it uses a laser that the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) is labeling virtually limitless in terms of ammunition supply, therefore making it a cost-effective alternative to some in-service weapons.
The tested laser was integrated onto a Wolfhound—a protected troop-carrying vehicle. Soldiers from 16 Royal Artillery operating the system successfully hunted and brought down a drone at Radnor Range in mid-Wales, according to a Dec. 11 press release.
“This ground-breaking technology demonstrates Britain’s commitment to staying at the forefront of military innovation,” according to Maria Eagle, minister for Defence Procurement and Industry. “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 laser has been developed through a collaboration between the MOD’s Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory—known as Team Hersa—and an industry consortium led by Raytheon UK.
According to Warrant Officer Matthew Anderson, manager for the British Army’s Mounted Close Combat Trials and Development Group, “Every engagement we’ve done has removed a drone from the sky. While we’ve been testing a variety of distances, speeds and altitudes, one thing has remained—how quick a drone can be taken out. It’s definitely a capability that could be added to the arsenal of weapons that we use on the battlefield.”
“The successful testing of the Laser Directed Energy Weapon demonstrator is an important step towards a future capability, according to Matt Cork, head of Team Hersa. “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.”
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