For the first time, a laser weapon “neutralizes” targets from a British Army vehicle.
The UK government declared today that the country had fired a laser weapon from an army combat vehicle successfully for the first time.
The test was dubbed a “pivotal moment” by Matt Cork, the program lead of the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) of the government.
“With this technology, we can defeat aerial threats with greater precision, power, and economy, protecting our forces even more,” he stated.
Dstl now intends to put the capabilities to the test in practical settings.
Laser missions
The laser was put into service by the government to take down enemy drones. Raytheon UK, an arm manufacturer, oversaw the system’s development.
The weapon can track numerous targets and is portable, reasonably priced, and simple to use. According to officials, it may also engage quicker than the speed of light.
The laser uses a command and control system to function. It is compatible with multiple platforms and can be integrated with broader combat management systems.
Engineers put the weapon on a Wolfhound, a six-wheeled truck that is usually equipped with a machine gun, for the most recent trials.
After that, operators shot lasers at targets in the air.
Raytheon UK CEO James Gray celebrated the experiment with the government.
“Dstl has demonstrated that a vehicle-mounted Raytheon high-energy laser weapon system is capable of tracking, engaging, and defeating targets.”
“We now anticipate that the British Army will test the weapon in the upcoming months, demonstrating that the technology is ready for the battlefield.”
Testing with military personnel is the next phase of that endeavor. Anticipated for the following year, the tests will add to the expanding array of laser-related British military experiments.
The authorities made video from an additional test available in May. The DragonFire, a more sophisticated weapon, was displayed in the declassified video.
A more accurate substitute for short-range missiles is what the DragonFire offers. The laser, according to officials, can fry a coin-sized target at a distance of one kilometer.
