Britain Successfully Tests High-Energy Laser Weapon Capable of Destroying Drones

The British Army has successfully tested a new laser weapon capable of destroying a drone mid-flight, according to a press release by the UK Ministry of Defense.

“A high-energy laser weapon has been fired by the British Army from an armoured vehicle for the first time and successfully destroyed flying drones,” according to the press release.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the system operates by focusing a powerful infrared energy beam on its target, utilizing advanced sensors and tracking technology to maintain real-time lock-on and precision.

Raytheon's High-Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) was mounted on a Wolfhound, an armored personnel carrier, enabling soldiers from the 16 Royal Artillery to track and destroy hovering targets during tests at Radnor Range in mid-Wales.

The system features a command and control interface and can be integrated with broader battle management, radar, and surveillance networks. It is adaptable for mounting on various platforms to suit diverse operational requirements.

Unlike traditional munitions, laser weapons offer an almost unlimited ammunition supply, making them a potentially cost-effective alternative to some existing weapons in service.

“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,” said Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle MP.

The laser system was developed by Team Hersa, a collaboration between the MOD’s Defence Equipment & Support, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, and an industry consortium led by Raytheon UK.