British Army Trials Counter-Drone Laser Weapon with Cambridge Pixel Software Integration

In a significant advancement for the UK's defense capabilities, a high-powered counter-drone laser weapon, supported by Cambridge Pixel software, has been successfully trialed on a British Army combat vehicle. This groundbreaking test marks the first instance of a laser weapon being fired from a land vehicle in the UK, representing a crucial milestone in modern warfare technology.

The pilot project, a collaborative effort between Raytheon UK, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), and Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), was conducted at Dstl’s range in Porton Down. The laser weapon, mounted on a British Army Wolfhound armored vehicle, effectively neutralized drone targets at distances exceeding 1km. This achievement underscores the potential of laser-directed energy weapons (LDEW) to enhance the operational capabilities of the British Army on the battlefield.

Cambridge Pixel played a pivotal role in this project by providing software, including the user interface display, which facilitated the rapid development and deployment of the laser weapon system. Their technology enabled a command and control (C2) system that integrated seamlessly with wider battle management radar and surveillance systems, reducing project risks and improving safety. The use of Cambridge Pixel’s software demonstrates the critical importance of advanced digital solutions in modern defense projects, allowing for faster, more cost-effective development cycles.

Matt Cork, the Dstl Programme Lead, highlighted the significance of this test, stating, "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. This technology offers a precise, powerful, and cost-effective means to defeat aerial threats, ensuring greater protection for our forces."

This test is part of the UK Ministry of Defence’s Land Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) Demonstrator programme, which aims to explore the utility of LDEW systems in countering evolving threats. The program’s success provides the British Army with a lightweight, portable, and cost-effective solution to defeat enemy drones, enhancing battlefield protection and operational flexibility.

The collaboration extends beyond Raytheon UK and Cambridge Pixel, involving a robust British supply chain including Frazer-Nash, NP Aerospace, LumOptica, and Blighter Surveillance Systems. These partnerships are crucial in driving forward the development and integration of cutting-edge defense technologies.

As aerial threats continue to evolve, the British Army's adoption of advanced laser weapons signifies a strategic shift towards more precise and effective countermeasures. The successful trial of this counter-drone laser weapon not only highlights the technological prowess of the UK’s defense industry but also sets the stage for future innovations in military defense systems.