The UK Ministry of Defence has announced the successful testing of a laser weapon designed to destroy unmanned aerial vehicles. The tests were carried out on a Wolfhound armoured vehicle at a proving ground in Radnor, Wales. The laser system, a smaller version of the DragonFire system, successfully hit all targets, proving its high effectiveness.

Laser weapons work by tracking moving targets and directing a powerful infrared beam at them, capable of neutralizing drones at a distance of more than a kilometer. One of the key advantages of this technology is a virtually unlimited supply of “ammunition,” which makes it more cost-effective than traditional air defense systems.

The development and implementation of laser systems is due to the growing threat from drones, which are actively used in modern conflicts, including in Ukraine. The UK Ministry of Defence emphasizes that new laser systems are capable of effectively protecting troops from such attacks, reducing dependence on expensive missile systems.

Earlier in January 2024, the UK successfully tested the DragonFire long-range laser weapon, which hit multiple air targets in the Hebrides. This test was a key step towards the adoption of the technology into service.