UK successfully tests Raytheon’s laser gun

Raytheon UK, in collaboration with the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), has successfully tested the High-Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) integrated onto a British Army Wolfhound armored vehicle.

This test, conducted at Dstl’s range in Porton Down, represents the first of its kind in the UK.

The HELWS, a lightweight and portable system, was fired at full power while mounted on a British Army Wolfhound armored vehicle. This successful integration marks a significant advancement in the Ministry of Defence’s Land Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) Demonstrator program, aimed at countering the growing threat posed by drone warfare.

“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.”

This variant of the HELWS is specifically designed to neutralize NATO class 1 drones and is compatible with existing air defense systems, including radar, command and control, and other platforms. The Wolfhound integration successfully merged Raytheon’s proven HELWS capabilities with innovative UK intellectual property from partners like Frazer Nash, NP Aerospace, LumOptica, Blighter Surveillance Systems, and Cambridge Pixel.

The Rt Hon John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence, highlighted the importance of this development, stating, “As Defence Secretary, I want to take the politics out of national security so where there is important work begun under the previous government, we will take it forward in the interest 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.”

Team Hersa, a collaboration between Dstl and DE&S, is responsible for managing the delivery of the demonstrators and preparing the UK Armed Forces for the introduction of innovative weapons systems. “The joint working between Dstl, DE&S and industry has enabled rapid evolution of this laser demonstrator. 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,” said Matt Cork, Dstl Programme Lead. “This technology offers a precise, powerful and cost-effective means to defeat aerial threats, ensuring greater protection for our forces.”

Raytheon’s HELWS is already certified for use with US forces, having accumulated more than 40,000 testing hours and successfully downing over 400 targets. The next phase of testing in the UK will focus on allowing British Army soldiers to familiarize themselves with the system and refine requirements for future capabilities.