A high-powered, long-range laser directed energy weapon (LDEW) was tested for the first time in UK history at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).

In order to advance UK knowledge on how these lasers and related technologies function, trial leads shot the UK DragonFire demonstrator a variety of targets at different distances, expecting complete precision.

“A high-powered, long-range laser directed energy weapon (LDEW) was tested for the first time in UK history“

Directed energy weapons may be able to offer more efficiency and be easier to manage logistically compared to what we already have available, hence shifting the expectation and ability for all upcoming defence technologies.

Ben Maddison, a technical partner at Dstl explained that “this trial is the culmination of design, development and demonstration activity over a number of years. The UK has world-leading capability in the technologies associated with laser directed energy weapons (LDEW) systems.”

MD of Electronics UK, Mark Hamilton, described how “the results of this live trial were impressive. We are looking forward to the next stages of the programme.”

Steve Wadey, QinetiQ’s Chief Executive, also commented that “the close collaboration with Dstl. QinetiQ’s coherent beam-combining technology offers a laser system that can achieve an enhanced power density and increased engagement range, that is scalable for future uses.”

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