Raytheon UK, in partnership 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) on a British Army Wolfhound armored vehicle at Dstl’s Porton Down range.

This test, the first of its kind in the UK, demonstrates the HELWS’s ability to track and engage targets while mounted on a vehicle.

Designed to counter drone threats, the HELWS integrates with existing air defense systems and incorporates UK-developed technology from various partners.

The successful integration highlights advancements in the Ministry of Defence’s Land Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) Demonstrator program, the Defense Blog has reported.

The next testing phase will focus on familiarizing British Army soldiers with the system and refining future capabilities.

Written by B.C. Begley