The UK has successfully tested a laser weapon from an army combat vehicle for the first time, the government announced today.
During trials, the system “neutralised” targets at distances exceeding 1km, according to officials.
Matt Cork, programme lead of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), described the test as a “pivotal moment.”
“This technology offers a precise, powerful, and cost-effective means to defeat aerial threats, ensuring greater protection for our forces,” he said. Dstl now plans to test the capabilities in real-world scenarios.
The government commissioned the laser to counter enemy drones. Raytheon UK, the armaments manufacturer, led the system’s development. The portable, affordable, and easy to operate, the weapon can track multiple targets and engage them faster than the speed of light, officials stated.
The laser operates with a command and control function, integrating with wider battle management systems and fitting on various platforms.
In the latest trials, engineers mounted the weapon on a Wolfhound, a six-wheeled truck typically armed with a machine gun. Operators then fired the laser at aerial targets.
James Gray, CEO of Raytheon UK, celebrated the successful trial.
“Dstl has proven that the Raytheon high energy laser weapon system can track, engage, and defeat targets whilst mounted on a vehicle,” he said. “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 next step involves trials with military personnel, scheduled for next year. These tests will join a growing range of British military experiments with lasers.
In May, the government released footage from another test showcasing a more advanced weapon: the DragonFire.
The DragonFire promises a precise alternative to short-range missiles, with officials claiming the laser can hit a coin-sized target from a kilometre away.
Source: The Next Web
