Official announcements from the British Ministry of Defence or Raytheon UK

British Army Tests Laser Weapon on Wolfhound Vehicle at Radnor Range

Dec 15, 2024, 09:23 PM

The British Army has conducted successful tests of a High-Energy Laser (HEL) weapon system mounted on a Wolfhound armored vehicle at Radnor Range in Wales. These trials, which took place in October 2024, demonstrated the system's capability to destroy hovering drones mid-flight, marking a significant advancement in countering aerial threats. The HEL system, developed through a collaborative effort under the Team Hersa initiative, involves Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), and an industry consortium led by Raytheon UK. The trials showcased the laser's precision and cost-effectiveness, with the potential to neutralize drones at the speed of light, offering a decisive edge in modern warfare scenarios where drones are increasingly prevalent.