MOD finalise laser weapon contract

Homeland September 19, 2016

MBDA UK and the UK MOD are finalising a contract which will assess innovative laser directed energy weapon technologies and approaches.

The £30M contract is designed to see how the system can acquire and track targets at ranges, over land and water, as well as the crucial aspect of being able to do this with enough precision to enable safe and effective engagement. The contract will culminate with a demonstration of the technology in 2018/19.

The contract has come to fruition through the disruptive capabilities initiative that is being delivered by the MOD. The initiative has been developed in order to provide the MOD with advanced technology and is part of a suite of advanced technology and systems studies and demonstrations.

Dstl’s Peter Cooper said: “This is a significant demonstration programme aimed at maturing our understanding of what is still an immature technology. It draws on innovative research into high power lasers so as to understand the potential of the technology to provide a more effective response to the emerging threats that could be faced by UK armed forces.”

Rear Admiral Paul Bennett said: “The Royal Navy remains committed to the rapid exploitation of revolutionary concepts and scientific advances. The LDEW project sits alongside other cutting edge initiatives that together keep the Royal Navy at the forefront of change and well placed to be an early adopter of innovative technologies.”

On being notified of MOD’s decision to award the contract, Dave Armstrong of MBDA said: “Under MBDA’s lead, UK DRAGONFIRE will put the UK at the forefront of high energy laser systems, capitalising on the experience of joint MoD/Industry working in the complex weapons environment. Furthermore, it advances the UK towards a future product with significant export potential, as well as providing opportunities for partnerships with other nations’ armed forces that have similar requirements.”

A number of partners from across the UK will work with MBDA UK on the project, including QinetiQ and Selex ES Ltd, BAE Systems, Marshall Aerospace & Defence, GKN PLC and Arke Ltd.

Arke BAE Systems Dstl GKN Innovation laser LDEW Marshall Aerospace MBDA MOD QinetiQ Royal Navy Selex ES Lts technology UK UK DRAGONFIRE