British Army Tests High-Energy Laser Weapon

Raytheon UK successfully conducted a live-firing test of its High-Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) with the British Army, marking the first time a high-energy laser weapon has been mounted on an armored vehicle in the UK. The trial, part of the Ministry of Defence’s Land Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) demonstrator program, involved British soldiers engaging and neutralizing moving aerial targets using advanced targeting and tracking technologies. James Gray, CEO of Raytheon UK, emphasized the significance of this achievement in enhancing the Army's capabilities through innovative technology. This development is seen as a pivotal advancement in modern warfare, showcasing the collaboration between defense scientists, engineers, and military personnel. The HELWS utilizes intense energy beams guided by real-time tracking systems, demonstrating its effectiveness in operational conditions. The successful trial reflects a commitment to integrating cutting-edge directed energy weapons into the British military's arsenal.