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British defence technology company QinetiQ has announced more than £20 million in funding to accelerate the development and production of laser-directed energy weapon technology in the United Kingdom.
The acceleration is envisioned to expand the company’s product portfolio and production capability to meet future laser-directed energy weapon (LDEW) programs in the UK and allied markets.
The funding is expected to increase development and production capabilities at its sites in both Farnborough and Malvern, expanding the range of products and significantly increasing production capacity for LDEW systems, both for the UK and international defence markets.
“Directed energy weapons are quickly moving from development to deployment to change the game in battlefield economics against the drone threat, and QinetiQ has been at the forefront of this technology for two decades,” QinetiQ group chief executive officer Steve Wadey said.
“The investment announced today demonstrates our commitment to accelerating both the development and manufacture of sovereign laser technology, ensuring we can meet the growing demand from the UK and our international allies and provide them with the operational advantage on the battlefield.”
Earlier this month, the company also announced a new brand of Helena coherent beam combination High Energy Laser Source products to defend against drones and other advanced threats.
QinetiQ also continues as a member of the UK’s DragonFire consortium alongside MBDA and Leonardo, delivering LDEW systems on to Royal Navy ships from 2027.
Providing a low cost per shot and near-infinite magazine depth, LDEW systems are expected to complement existing air defence capabilities, helping to counter, in particular, the prolific use of low-cost drones seen in modern day conflicts.
Robert Dougherty
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