In the first test of its kind in the UK, a High-Energy Laser Weapon system was fired from a British Army combat vehicle. The “ground-breaking test” conducted at Dstl's range in Porton Down saw Raytheon's High-Energy Laser Weapon System fired at full power from the British Army’s Wolfhound armoured vehicle.The milestone marks a major leap forward in the UK Ministry of Defence's Land Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) Demonstrator programme.

This variant of the HELWS has been designed to defeat NATO class 1 drones whilst being compatible with existing air defence systems, including radar, command and control and other platforms.

“We have proven that the Raytheon high energy laser weapon system can track and engage targets whilst mounted on a vehicle,” said James Gray, chief executive and managing director of Raytheon UK. “The speed at which this capability was delivered is only possible due to the hard work of our British SME partners, coupled with the operationally proven technology developed by Raytheon.”

Companies involved in the project include Frazer Nash, NP Aerospace which maintains the British Army’s protected vehicle fleet, LumOptica, Blighter Surveillance Systems, and Cambridge Pixel. 

Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey said it will take work begun under the previous government forward in the interests of national security. “That is why we are renewing important partnerships with industry and continuing to push technological boundaries. This will drive prosperity and create skilled jobs across the country,” he said.

Team Hersa, which pairs Dstl’s technical expertise with acquisition from DE&S, is managing delivery of the demonstrators and is responsible for preparing UK defence for the introduction of innovative weapons systems.

"The joint working between Dstl, DE&S and industry has enabled rapid evolution of this laser demonstrator,” Team Hersa, which pairs Dstl’s technical expertise with the best acquisition skills from DE&S, is managing delivery of the demonstrators and is responsible for preparing Defence for the introduction of innovative weapons systems, ensuring the UK Armed Forces can successfully exploit this potentially game changing capability at pace.

"The joint working between Dstl, DE&S and industry has enabled rapid evolution of this laser demonstrator,” said Matt Cork, Dstl programme lead.  “The successful testing of this high-powered laser weapon marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to enhance the future operational capabilities of the British Army. This technology offers a precise, powerful and cost-effective means to defeat aerial threats, ensuring greater protection for our forces."

Raytheon’s HELWS is certified for use in combat with US forces, with multiple systems now in service. Raytheon said the system boasts more than 40,000 testing hours and has downed more than 400 targets.

The next test phase will see British Army soldiers familiarise themselves with the system and refine requirements for future capability.

Directed energy weapon systems from Raytheon have been previously fired from US Army vehicles, such as the Stryker. Last year the US Army received the first two Directed Energy Maneuver-SHORAD prototypes for testing at Yuma Proving Ground.