Britain to build prototype laser weapon.

Britain is joining the laser arms race as America has already developed a series of drone-killing and ship-burning lasers and already has one weapon on board a warship in the Gulf. The MOD is looking for defence firms to help build prototype machines “to enhance the UK’s understanding of the capability of a laser based weapon system”.

“The potential of laser based weapons systems has been identified as an opportunity and offers significant advantages in terms of running costs as well as providing a more appropriate response to the threats currently faced by UK armed forces,” according to the MoD.

Trials will test if the prototype can “detect, acquire and track targets at range and in varying weather conditions, with sufficient precision.” It will also have to “generate and precisely control a high energy laser”, while making sure the machinery is safe. The project, known as the Laser Directed Energy Weapon Capability Demonstrator, is worth between £20 million and £100 million according to the MOD. American and European manufacturers have been developing laser weapons for many years. The United States Navy began testing a laser weapon on board a warship in the Gulf last year.

Under the Geneva Convention lasers cannot be used as anti-personnel weapons. He said most lasers in development are being tested to shoot down drones, stop small ships and vehicles, or defend against barrages by missiles and mortars. Their short range means they are unlikely to replace missiles which can hit fast moving, agile targets many miles away.