You are here

Laser Weapon Systems at Sea and on Land: A Bright Future?
Simon ChivertonRUSI Defence Systems, 10 June 2016
Air Power and Technology, Military Sciences, Equipment and Acquisitions, Technology
In 2015, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory announced the Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) project with system-level studies to be undertaken by industry worth approximately £12.7 million. The goal is to produce an LDEW concept demonstrator suitable for maritime platforms. This is evidence that the UK has an interest in developing sovereign laser weapon capabilities itself.
At present, Lockheed Martin appears to be leading the way on laser weaponry, having developed the first operationally deployed Laser Weapon System (LaWS). The AN/SEQ-3 Laser Weapon System was initially installed onto the USS Ponce as a technology demonstrator, but was so successful in trials that it was deemed fit for service and has been authorised for use as a defensive weapon in the Persian Gulf since December 2014. Publicly available information on this system’s performance remains limited and whilst footage released during testing show a range of targets being successfully engaged, they are soft targets and at close ranges.
Continue Reading
Become A Member
To access the full text of this article and many other benefits, become a RUSI member.
The Trouble with Northern Ireland Legacy Cases
Michèle Flournoy: The Enemy Went to School
Bohemian Forest Dark Tales: The Czech Republic, Russia’s Dirty War Machine and Western Solidarity