The British Army’s Wolfhound-mounted laser weapon during a recent trial. Photo, UK MoD.
The British Army has successfully demonstrated the capability of its new high-energy laser weapon to neutralize multiple drone threats during a live-fire trial.
Mounted on a Wolfhound armored personnel carrier, the weapon used powerful beams of infrared light to fry dozens of quadcopter drones at varying distances and speeds.
It also utilized advanced sensors and tracking systems to ensure pinpoint precision during each strike.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the directed-energy weapon achieved 100 percent kill efficiency against maneuvering drones. It also showcased its ability to rapidly eliminate one target and lock onto the next.
“Every engagement we’ve done has removed a drone from the sky,” trials manager Matthew Anderson explained. “While we’ve been testing a variety of distances, speeds and altitudes, one thing has remained – how quick a drone can be taken out.”
Developed by a consortium led by Raytheon UK, the high-energy laser weapon is capable of destroying drones, low-flying helicopters, and other aerial threats.
Unlike conventional munitions, the weapon relies on directed energy, offering a “virtually limitless” supply of ammunition.
This makes it a cost-effective alternative to conventional counter-drone missiles, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per shot.
“This is still an emerging technology, but the world has changed and we are seeing more use of drones in the battlespace,” said Stephen Waller, team lead for directed energy at Defence Equipment & Support. “This requires a more cost-effective solution to protect our troops.”
In 2021, the UK announced the integration of a high-energy laser weapon onto the Wolfhound armored vehicle.
The move aimed to assess the compatibility of the two platforms and their potential tactical advantages for British forces.
The Wolfhound is a six-wheeled tactical support vehicle, designed to provide increased protection for its cargo.
The combination of the armored vehicle and laser weapon enhances both mobility and operational range, enabling British troops to reach high-threat areas more effectively.
