New Laser Weapon for Al Jasoor's Rabdan

Rabdan's 8x8 IFV gets a High Energy Laser Weapon from Raytheon to defend against UAVs.

18 February 2021

 

 

AL JASOOR has integrated a High Energy Laser Weapon system onto its Rabdan 8x8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle to defend against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The weapon system is the result of a collaboration with Raytheon Emirates and Raytheon Intelligence & Space (RI&S). EARTH, a leading facilitator of R&D, engineering, and technology integration, and sister entity of AL JASOOR within the EDGE Group, integrated the the advanced laser system onto the Rabdan vehicle.

Announced ahead of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2021 which takes place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre between 21-25 February, the integrated vehicle will be on display as part of the broader EDGE stand.

Fahad Al Absi, CEO of AL JASOOR, said the High Energy Laser Weapon System was one of the most advanced in the market for counter-UAV capabilities. “As drone incursions become increasingly widespread, AL JASOOR is committed to delivering a vehicle that caters to the operational requirements of armed forces across the world.”

The next generation Rabdan 8x8 armoured fighting vehicle is an advanced, mission-ready platform built to meet a range of versatile objectives. Highly mobile on land and water, Rabdan is available in several configurations and can be equipped with different levels of armour protection to ensure tactical and technical advantages.

Raytheon’s High Energy Laser Weapon System is powered by technologies that use photons, or particles of light, to carry out military missions. It relies on an advanced electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor, to detect, identify and track multiple threats, primarily from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Once targeted, the system is designed to rapidly and precisely engage, and neutralise UAVs.

One of the decisive advantages of Raytheon’s laser systems is their precision. In addition, connected to an adequate power source, they demonstrate "infinite magazine depth," or a virtually unlimited supply of ammunition. Complementing their pinpoint accuracy, lasers represent a low-cost-per-shot option, making them an ideal solution for low-cost threats, such as those posed by drones.

The laser weapon system also boasts high survivability, while providing 360-degree coverage in a rugged package that can be scaled to accommodate the demands of the mission.  The laser system’s open architecture allows for seamless installation across military platforms.

 

 

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