The partnership seeks to create “new possibilities” for enhancing naval drone defenses amid rising geopolitical tensions.

According to Rheinmetall, both companies bring “complementary skills” in developing and integrating laser weapon technologies.

The two firms previously worked together on a laser demonstration onboard a German Navy frigate, successfully firing over 100 test shots at representative targets.

With the new collaboration, Rheinmetall and MBDA hope to introduce a maritime product to the defense market within the next five to six years.

Low-Cost Solution

There have been increasing calls for more affordable solutions to neutralizing drone threats, with a Pentagon official acknowledging that the costs of firing counter-drone weapons and munitions are becoming “too high.”

Iran-backed Houthi rebels have mocked the US for using $2-million air defense missiles to intercept drones that cost only $2,000.

Even US Department of Defense undersecretary for acquisition William LaPlante admitted that current military efforts to eliminate enemy drones now exceed $100,000 per shot.

Laser weapons present a cost-effective alternative, with the UK saying its DragonFire can shoot down drones at $13 per shot.

Israel’s Rafael also claims its 100-kilowatt Iron Beam ground-based laser air defense system has “almost zero cost per interception.”

While promising, laser weapon development poses challenges, as it requires extensive research and design processes.

The post Rheinmetall, MBDA to Jointly Develop Maritime Laser Weapon appeared first on The Defense Post.

An article published in the Chinese journal Command Control & Simulation pointed out the increasing challenges faced by underwater vehicles in the advent of sophisticated anti-submarine technologies.

It said traditional defense tactics, such as changing speed, direction, and depth, only provide limited effectiveness against modern anti-submarine aircraft with powerful detection and weapon systems.

To keep pace with these advanced threats, the article suggests that directed energy weapons could offer a more updated and effective means of defense for submarines.

If the planned integration pushes through, this could be a perfect time for Beijing as it transitions to electric- and nuclear-powered submarines that can provide the necessary power for high-energy laser weapons.

No Easy Feat

Integrating a laser weapon into an underwater vehicle would not be easy, as the process would require specific installation requirements.

The article argued that most submarines have limited internal space, which would not be able to accommodate an effective laser cooling system.

To address this, the journal said Beijing could develop a modular fiber laser similar to what Lockheed Martin has manufactured.

The laser system reportedly uses flexible optical fibers, which can be coiled to save space and improve cooling efficiency.

In addition to space, the operational use of laser weapons on submarines itself could pose a significant challenge as it would involve “careful timing and tactical considerations.”

The post China Exploring Laser Weapon Integration Into Submarines appeared first on The Defense Post.

The demonstration aligns with the UK Ministry of Defence’s Land Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) Demonstrator program which seeks a ground vehicle-mounted capability to counter drones.

Held at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Porton Down range in England, the event saw the weapon activated at full power while integrated with a British Army Wolfhound armored tactical support vehicle.

The trial concluded with the HELWS successfully neutralizing targets at more than 1,000 meters (3,280 feet).

“This high-powered firing is a significant step towards ensuring the UK Armed Forces can exploit this potentially game changing capability at pace so they have the edge against both current and future threats,” a statement from the UK defense agency said.

“This technology offers a precise, powerful and cost effective means to defeat aerial threats, ensuring greater protection for our forces.”

More Tests to Follow

London wrote that data from the activity will be used to further explore the applications of future LDEW systems against other threats.

Additional tests will also be facilitated with the British Army later this year to learn more about the HELWS capabilities and its real-world drone warfare scenarios.

“In successfully firing the first laser weapon integrated on a land vehicle in the UK, DSTL has proven that the Raytheon high energy laser weapon system can track, engage and defeat targets whilst mounted on a vehicle,” Raytheon UK Managing Director James Gray stated.

“We now look forward to the British Army experimenting with the weapon over the coming months and proving that the technology is battlefield ready.”

The post Raytheon HELWS Laser Weapon Completes First Fire for British Army appeared first on The Defense Post.

The defense technology and acquisition agencies of both countries are reportedly on the verge of signing an agreement amid increasing threats in the Indo-Pacific.

The deal could include up to three years of research into the effective application of such a counter-drone system, according to local media reports.

Microwave weapons are designed to deliver high-powered, short bursts of electromagnetic waves to destroy or degrade a drone’s electrical components.

The US Air Force possesses one known as the Tactical High-Power Operational Responder (THOR), which shot down a swarm of drones in a 2023 trial.

Learning From Ongoing Conflicts

The move to jointly develop counter-drone weapons is not surprising, considering that both Washington and Tokyo are closely monitoring current geopolitical conflicts.

The proliferation of drones in the Russia-Ukraine war has spurred many countries to invest in unmanned platforms to gain a tactical advantage in future battles.

Persistent drone attacks by Iran-backed militants on US military bases in the Middle East also call for improved and cheaper counter-drone solutions.

Though details about the joint venture are still limited, military analysts expect that it will focus on reducing the amount of energy the weapon needs to take down enemy drones and making it an inexpensive, man-portable system.

“We have seen in Ukraine that a $100 drone can knock out a multimillion-dollar weapon system, so the challenge now is to develop an asymmetric way of countering drones just as inexpensively,” Japan-based defense expert Garren Mulloy said.

In April 2024, Pentagon undersecretary for acquisition William LaPlante said current efforts to take out hostile drones exceed $100,000 per shot.

The post US, Japan Eye Joint Development of High-Powered Microwave Weapons appeared first on The Defense Post.

The country’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said its so-called “StarWars” directed energy system emits powerful beams for up to 20 seconds.

It can neutralize flying hostile drones by burning down their engines or other electronic parts.

In addition to being quiet and invisible, the laser weapon is relatively cheap to operate, reportedly costing only 2,000 Korean won ($1.45) per shot.

Once fielded, DAPA said Seoul will become the world’s first country to officially deploy and operate laser weapons.

“Our military’s response capabilities on North Korea’s drone provocation will be further strengthened,” it added.

Provocations

South Korea’s decision to deploy laser weapons follows a series of drone provocations by Pyongyang, including an incident in December 2022.

Five North Korean drones breached South Korean airspace, prompting Seoul to scramble fighter jets and attack helicopters.

A five-hour pursuit did not yield positive results, raising questions about the country’s air defense capabilities and readiness.

The military apologized for failing to shoot down the hostile drones and vowed to employ detection devices to spot them from an early stage and aggressively deploy strike assets.

Following the incident, The Washington Post reported on a leaked US document that said Seoul will be vulnerable to North Korean drones for years.

The document noted that South Korea has prioritized its defenses against incoming missiles but neglected its other air defense needs.

The post S. Korea to Deploy Laser Weapons to Shoot Down N. Korean Drones appeared first on The Defense Post.

The Fractl is Canberra’s first directed energy weapon designed to neutralize aerial drones moving at 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour.

Built and delivered by Melbourne-based industry partner AIM Defence, the capability fires a concentrated laser with “less than the amount of power it takes to boil a kettle” at the speed of light to burn through steel.

The suitcase-sized solution can localize threats as small as a 10-cent coin at 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) away.

The ADF wrote that the weapon is operated silently and motionlessly, adding that unfamiliar personnel can also learn the platform within minutes.

“You push a button to track the drone and the computer takes over, then you push another button to ‘pull the trigger’ just like a video game,” ADF Corporal Patrick Flanagan explained.   

“With your index finger you can quickly change your aim between the drone’s video camera, centre mass or one of the propellers. 

“It only takes seconds to knock out the camera and two or three seconds to disable the rotor.”

Weapon With ‘Endless Magazine’

According to ADF, an additional Fractl test was conducted alongside armored teams to evaluate the weapon’s counter-unmanned aerial system (c-UAS) function before the Puckapunyal trial.

“They consumed a lot of ammunition and were hitting the target at very close range,” ADF Robotic and Autonomous Systems Warrant Officer 2 Eli Lea stated. “There was no margin for error.”

“Laser weapons essentially have an endless magazine as long as there’s power.”

“Modern fire control systems specifically designed to track and engage drones are what’s needed.” 

Preparing for Advanced Threats

The ADF further highlighted the importance of the Fractl and similar anti-drone solutions to address the emergence of autonomous aircraft in modern warfare.

“Drones come in all shapes and sizes and you need a variety of tools to defeat the threat,” Lea said.

“Shooting small multi-rotor UAS out of the sky is particularly challenging. A directed-energy weapon that can detect, track and engage those types of targets is a part of that tool set.”

“The lessons from Ukraine are that drones are a genuine problem and if we don’t do anything about it, we’re going to get a rude awakening in the next fight.”

The post Australian Military Demos Fractl Laser Weapon in Victoria appeared first on The Defense Post.

The agreement supports the agency’s ongoing Laser Technology Research Development and Optimization (LARDO) program, which seeks weapons against aerial drones and similar systems.

Under the contract, the company will extend design and manufacturing tasks to further improve the efficiency, performance, automation, and ruggedization of its directed energy solutions for the army.

Other objectives include the enhancement of size, weight, and power of covered assets.

“We are developing tools to win the next war so there is no next war,” BlueHalo Chief Technology Officer Dr. Vikram Manikonda explained.

“We are expanding and accelerating BlueHalo’s air defense innovations, not only with Directed Energy technologies but with the diagnostic and surveillance monitoring systems that enable their sustainment, operation, and continuous improvement in the field.”

“Our solutions are interoperable and designed with extreme care for the warfighter, providing the Army with a full system of systems to mature the use of laser weapons to meet our national security demands.”

For Counter-Drone Missions

BlueHalo will leverage experiences in developing counter-unmanned aerial systems (c-UAS), including lessons acquired from the recent deployments of its proprietary Locust laser systems.

The Locust incorporates precision laser and optical hardware as well as advanced processing and artificial intelligence software to maintain target identification, tracking, and engagement for warfighters.

“Through the LARDO program, the US Army is investing in the rapid innovation and maturation of our Nation’s laser weapon capabilities,” BlueHalo Chief Operating Officer Trip Ferguson stated.

“BlueHalo’s LOCUST laser systems are deployed overseas, providing multi-domain mission success in UAS threat elimination and force protection. We are honored that the US Army continues to trust BlueHalo to deliver superior Directed Energy technologies and air defense innovations.”

Laser Weapon Contracts

BlueHalo signed a contract in April to provide support services for the US Army’s Palletized High Energy Laser (P-HEL) system.

Made by BlueHalo, the P-HEL fires energy to protect users and critical infrastructure from small-type drone aircraft.

The contract will include full-cycle services and will run for four years.

The company accepted a separate project in November 2023 to supply Locust systems for the US Marine Corps.

The ordered articles will be tested in partnership with the Naval Surface Warfare Center and integrated into the Marines’ Joint Light Tactical Vehicle fleet.

The post BlueHalo Secures Directed Energy Prototyping Contract From US Army appeared first on The Defense Post.

The milestone is part of a $66.1-million contract for a directed energy solution to neutralize drones and drone swarms.

The US Army received the first IFPC-HPM product under this project in November 2023.

Alongside finalizing the delivery, the company also concluded the New Equipment Training and Engineering Developmental Testing (NET-EDT) services with the agency to pursue the issuance of operational capability for the weapons.

Epirus wrote that associated trials for the IFPC-HPMs were facilitated in April to assess the platform’s tactical functions and effectiveness against targets with complex flight patterns.

Future operators also received first-hand experience with the system during the live-fire event as a follow-up to their preparations last March.

The US Army Test and Evaluation Command will use the information gathered throughout these tests to inform future IFPC-HPM efforts, budgets, and deployments.

“Completion of NET and EDT puts the US Army closer to fielding HPM operationally,” Epirus CEO Andy Lowery remarked.

“We were able to demonstrate effects that we haven’t done in this close to a real-world environment, including coordinated fires for additional range and advanced waveforms for greater effectivity,”

“We learned a lot about the importance of each system within the system-of-systems approach that will inform capabilities, limitations and requirements. Most importantly, we’ve demonstrated that our HPM systems are effective for the counter-drone and counter-swarm mission as a final protective fires solution within a layered defense.”

Indirect Fire Protection Capability Program

The US Army’s latest directed energy weapons are part of the Pentagon’s broader IFPC program to employ a fleet of protective suites against unmanned aerial systems, cruise missiles, artillery, rockets, and mortars.

This initiative’s solutions are planned to have a mobile, ground-based design intended to secure warfighters as well as other critical fixed and semi-fixed capabilities.

The US government noted that future IFPC assets would also address gaps between the PATRIOT air and missile defense system, the short-range air defense (SHORAD) platform, and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.

The post Epirus Completes Delivery of Anti-Drone Directed Energy Weapons to US Army appeared first on The Defense Post.

Part of Project Ealing, the truck-mounted system is designed to provide a strategic countermeasure against growing drone threats.

It can accurately detect, track, and engage various targets across multiple domains.

According to a social media post by journalist Gabriele Molinelli, the directed-energy weapon features a more compact design compared to initial concepts.

It can now be carried on a smaller HX60 truck rather than an HX77, increasing its deployability and maneuverability.

The technology was previously showcased with the 7th Air Defence Group at Thorney Island in southeastern England.

Project EALING unveiled: the Radiofrequency "cannon" in development for the British Armed Forces seen with 7 Air Defence Group at Thorney Island. A lot different from the early concept art, it is shown carried on a smaller HX60 truck rather than an HX77 and is visibly demountable pic.twitter.com/C8HRsL0x89

— Gabriele Molinelli (@Gabriel64869839) May 7, 2024

‘Radio Frequency Cannon’

The recently tested directed-energy weapon is similar in concept to Epirus’ Leonidas system that can also be integrated with sensors for improved precision.

They both have a non-lethal approach in addressing threats, meaning they fry the electronics of hostile drones without causing permanent damage.

Thanks to commercially available components, the weapon can reportedly adjust to broader frequencies to deal with threats simultaneously.

According to program manager Matt Cork, the “radio frequency cannon” could soon be used to protect strategic locations or moving convoys.

The post British Army Tests New Mobile Directed-Energy Weapon appeared first on The Defense Post.

The accelerated fielding pushes employment back five years from its original schedule in 2032, as the government requires more weapons to combat missiles and drones like those fired by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

DragonFire is a laser capable of neutralizing aerial targets traveling at the speed of light. The weapon is considered efficient because each high-intensity beam it projects to down targets costs less than 10 pounds ($12).

Its prototype was unveiled in 2017 and was then enhanced by London’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory in partnership with MBDA, QinetiQ, and Leonardo.

“We recognise this cutting-edge UK laser weapons technology as highly relevant and the need to accelerate it into service on board our ships at the earliest opportunity,” Royal Navy Above Water Battlespace Head Capt. Matt Ryder explained.

“Noting the quantity and varied sophistication of air and missile threats seen in the Southern Red Sea, we see a very relevant and current example of where laser weapons could provide an additional layer of defence to protect shipping, at a potentially much lower cost per shot and without the inherent onboard magazine and silo capacity constraints associated with interceptor missiles.”

DragonFire Progress

The announcement followed DragonFire’s latest trial in Scotland in January, in which the system achieved the UK’s first high-power firing of a laser weapon against aerial targets.

DragonFire’s low-power test commenced in 2022, followed by the weapon’s first full-capacity live-fire demonstration in Porton Down.

“In a more dangerous world, our approach to procurement is shifting with it. We need to be more urgent, more critical and more global,” British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps remarked during the DragonFire’s fielding rescheduling notice.

“Our widespread reforms will deliver the latest kit and weaponry for our Armed Forces faster and help identify export opportunities that can boost the UK economy.  

“DragonFire shows the best of the UK at the forefront of military technology, and we will not delay in getting it in the hands of our military to face down the threats we’re facing.”

Expanding Naval Firepower

Simultaneously, the UK assured that the Royal Navy’s existing missile systems such as the Sea Viper and Sea Ceptor will remain “highly relevant” and “core component” of the agency’s air defense assets as the DragonFire enters the service.

Both warheads were recently used by London’s destroyers to counter Houthi drones and missiles in the Red Sea as part of the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian prior to the DragonFire’s fielding announcement.

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