This high-energy laser, mounted on a vehicle, strikes at the speed of light

For the first time, the British Army has successfully tested a high-energy laser mounted on a combat vehicle.

This test marks a major milestone in the UK's Ministry of Defence's Land-based Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) demonstration program. The laser, capable of neutralizing targets over a kilometer (more than 0.6 miles) away, was fired from a Wolfhound armored vehicle. This technology provides an effective and low-cost solution to counter aerial threats, particularly enemy drones.


The test took place at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) firing range in Porton Down. Dstl, in collaboration with DE&S (Defence Equipment and Support) and several industry partners, developed this laser system to enhance the UK's defense capabilities.

The weapon offers several advantages: it is lightweight, easily transportable, and can be integrated with various command, control, and surveillance systems. According to Paul Hollinshead, Chief Executive of Dstl, this step is crucial to preparing British armed forces to face future threats.

The tested laser operates at the speed of light, allowing for rapid and precise responses against multiple targets. It is the first laser weapon of its kind to be integrated onto a ground vehicle in the UK. This technological innovation demonstrates the potential of directed energy weapons to transform modern warfare, offering increased protection to troops in the field.

Further trials are scheduled for later this year to evaluate the weapon's performance in real scenarios, to determine its capabilities and advantages on the battlefield.


Finally, this collaboration between Dstl, DE&S, and industry aims to accelerate the adoption of new defense technologies, thus ensuring the UK a strategic advantage. The success of this test could pave the way for wider use of directed energy weapons in future military operations.