The British Army has fired a laser weapon from an armoured vehicle for the first time, successfully destroying flying drones with “groundbreaking technology” in a test. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that the laser was mounted on a vehicle known as a Wolfhound and soldiers were able to target and neutralise hovering targets at Radnor Range in mid Wales.
The laser works by directing a powerful beam of infrared light at its target, employing sensors and tracking systems to accurately lock on to and eliminate them. The MoD has suggested laser weapons could be a cost-efficient alternative to certain traditional arms, given their “virtually limitless” ammo supply.
Warrant officer Matthew Anderson, trials manager for the British Army’s Mounted Close Combat Trials and Development Unit, said: “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.
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“It’s definitely a capability that could be added to the arsenal of weapons that we use on the battlefield.” For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter
The laser weapon successfully destroyed moving drones -Credit:Ministry of Defence/PA
Stephen Waller, a team leader at the MoD’s Defence Equipment and Support agency, said drones are increasingly being used in battlespaces and laser weapons could give UK troops a “better operational advantage”.
Defence procurement minister Maria Eagle also added: “This groundbreaking technology demonstrates Britain’s commitment to staying at the forefront of military innovation. 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.”