Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Raytheon's HELWS fired for first time from UK military vehicle

Defence

Raytheon's HELWS fired for first time from UK military vehicle

For the first time scientists and engineers - from Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) - have successfully fired Raytheon’s High-Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) from a British Army combat vehicle.

Image courtesy Raytheon

This ground-breaking test, conducted at Dstl’s range in Porton Down, saw the laser weapon neutralise targets such as enemy drones at distances in excess of 1km. This variant of the HELWS has been designed to defeat NATO class 1 drones whilst being easily compatible within existing air defence systems, including radar, command and control and other platforms.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The low-cost high-energy laser weapon, mounted on to a British Army Wolfhound armoured vehicle, is fully portable and easy to operate. The system can track multiple targets and engage faster than the speed of light.

It represents a major leap forward in the UK Ministry of Defence’s Land Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) Demonstrator programme, providing increased operational advantage on the battlefield.

Team Hersa, which pairs DE&S’ acquisition skills with Dstl’s technical expertise, has developed the laser in collaboration with a consortium of UK suppliers.

Stephen Waller, programme lead at DE&S, said: “Our responsibility in Team Hersa is to work collabotatively with our partners and provide the engineering, commercial and project management expertise to help manage delivery of the demonstrators and prepare Defence for the introduction of innovative weapons systems. 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.”

Matt Cork, Dstl Programme Lead, added: “The joint working between Dstl, DE&S and Industry has enabled rapid evolution of this laser demonstrator. The successful testing of this high-powered laser weapon marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to enhance the future operational capabilities of the British Army. This technology offers a precise, powerful and cost effective means to defeat aerial threats, ensuring greater protection for our forces.”

The integration of the advanced capability demonstrator on the Wolfhound will allow the Ministry of Defence along with the British Army to understand the utility of LDEW Systems against an evolving threat.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

The next phase of testing will involve trials with Army personnel later this year, further evaluating the system’s capabilities and benefits in real-world scenarios.

The laser system operates with a command and control system and can be integrated with wider battle management radar and surveillance systems. The weapon can be mounted on various platforms to meet different operational needs.

The British supply chain includes: Raytheon UK, Fraser Nash, NP Aerospace, LumOptica, Blighter Surveillance Systems and Cambridge Pixel.

James Gray, chief executive and managing director of Raytheon UK, said: “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. The speed at which this capability was delivered is only possible due to the hard work of our British SME partners, coupled with the operationally proven technology developed by Raytheon. 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 collaboration between DE&S, Dstl, industry, academia, and international allies, is addressing some of the most complex issues facing UK Defence and underscores a commitment to the UK Ministry of Defence’s by leveraging cutting-edge technology to maintain a strategic advantage in defence operations.

Advertisement
Cranfield University
BAE Systems launch new returners programme

Defence

BAE Systems launch new returners programme

30 June 2025

For the past seven years, BAE Systems and STEM Returners have been working together to help engineers across the UK return to work after a career break and today the partnership has announced a new programme at BAE Maritime and Land Defence Solutions in Portsmouth and the Radar Integration Test Facility in Cowes, which will include 10 positions and see the ...

SSRO reviews single source defence contracts

Defence

SSRO reviews single source defence contracts' profit rate calculations

30 June 2025

The Single Source Regulations Office (SSRO) are consulting on updates to the way that profit rates for defence-related single source contracts are calculated.

DXC opens Farnborough office

Defence

DXC opens Farnborough office

30 June 2025

DXC Technology has opened an office in Farnborough, that is to be home to DXC's dedicated Aerospace and Defence Hub.

Syensqo and Terma strengthen partnership

Aerospace Defence Security

Syensqo and Terma strengthen partnership

30 June 2025

Advanced materials specialist Syensqo and Terma, provider of mission-critical solutions in aerospace, defence and security, have signed a strategic collaboration agreement to develop joint initiatives in composites for next-generation aerospace and defence applications.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT
Babcock reveals regional regeneration plans

Defence

Babcock reveals regional regeneration plans

30 June 2025

Babcock has announced transformative plans to locate more than 2,000 of its workforce from its Devonport Royal Dockyard facility, to the heart of Plymouth City Centre, as part of a trailblazing approach to support regional regeneration across the UK.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton KCB ADC FREng appointed Chief of the Defence Staff

Defence

Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton KCB ADC FREng appointed Chief of the Defence Staff

27 June 2025

His Majesty The King has approved the appointment of Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton KCB ADC FREng to take over from Admiral Sir Tony Radakin KCB ADC as the next Chief of the Defence Staff, with effect from September 2025.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT