Exclusive: British Army Tests Laser Weapon Against Drones in Real Combat Conditions to Strengthen Unit Protection.

The British Army has taken a bold step in strengthening the protection of its combat units by successfully testing a mobile High-Energy Laser (HEL) weapon system mounted on the Wolfhound armored vehicle. Conducted at Radnor Range in Wales in October 2024, the trials showcased the effectiveness of this advanced weapon in destroying hovering drones mid-flight. This historic achievement, marking the first time the British Army has fired a laser weapon from an armored platform, highlights the Ministry of Defence's determination to equip its forces with cutting-edge technology for modern warfare.
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Partially destroyed drones following successful High-Energy Laser weapon trials by the British Army, mounted on a Wolfhound armored vehicle, at Radnor Range, Wales, demonstrating its effectiveness in real combat conditions. (Picture source: British MoD)

The Wolfhound armored vehicle was chosen as the platform for this revolutionary system, emphasizing its operational importance on the modern battlefield. The Wolfhound, a heavily protected troop carrier and logistics vehicle, is known for its durability, mobility, and adaptability in combat environments. By integrating the HEL (High-Energy Weapon) laser weapon system onto this proven platform, the British Army is demonstrating the versatility of the Wolfhound as not just a troop transport but also a multi-role combat vehicle capable of hosting advanced weapons. The vehicle’s ability to provide mobility and stability for the laser system makes it an ideal choice for countering fast-moving aerial threats like drones, especially in dynamic operational scenarios.

Drones have emerged as a critical threat on today’s battlefields, with their use in surveillance, targeting, and even offensive strikes becoming increasingly common. The war in Ukraine has provided stark lessons about the devastating potential of drone swarms, as both sides have deployed these unmanned systems in large numbers to overwhelm defenses and inflict significant damage. The British Army’s HEL system directly addresses this challenge. Its ability to track and destroy drones with precision and at the speed of light offers a decisive edge in countering such threats. Unlike traditional anti-drone weapons that rely on ammunition, the laser weapon system delivers energy to targets, making it cost-effective, sustainable, and logistically advantageous in prolonged engagements.

Integrating the HEL system into the Wolfhound also reflects the growing emphasis on mobility and adaptability in modern conflict. Future battlefields are expected to demand highly effective weapons and systems that can be deployed rapidly and operated in various environments. With its robust design and off-road capabilities, the Wolfhound ensures that the HEL system can be deployed wherever needed, from urban centers to remote terrains. This flexibility is crucial for ensuring that combat units are protected from aerial threats while maintaining their ability to maneuver and sustain operations.

The importance of such technology has been underscored by the lessons learned from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where drones have played a pivotal role in shaping the battlespace. Adversaries increasingly employ drones to conduct reconnaissance, direct artillery strikes, and execute kamikaze-style attacks. Countering these threats has proven challenging, particularly for units operating near the front lines. The High-Energy Laser system provides a silent, precise, and effective solution to these threats, ensuring that combat units are shielded from harm and can maintain their operational effectiveness.

The HEL system also addresses a broader strategic need for the British Army to remain at the forefront of military innovation. Directed-energy weapons like the HEL are expected to play a central role in future conflicts, not only for their ability to neutralize drones but also for their potential to counter more advanced threats, such as incoming missiles or mortar rounds. By investing in this technology now, the British Army is preparing its forces for the challenges of tomorrow’s wars while enhancing their survivability in today’s complex operational environments.

The collaborative effort behind the HEL system is another key element of its success. Developed under the Team Hersa initiative, which brings together Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), and an industry consortium led by Raytheon UK, the project represents a seamless partnership between government and industry. This cooperation ensures that the British Army has access to the best technologies and expertise, enabling rapid development and deployment of innovative solutions like the HEL system.

The trial conducted by soldiers from the 16 Royal Artillery demonstrated the HEL system’s ability to acquire, track, and destroy multiple hovering drones under realistic conditions. These results validate the system’s effectiveness as a critical countermeasure against unmanned aerial systems (UAS), which have become a ubiquitous feature of modern conflicts. Moreover, the choice of a laser weapon underscores the British Army’s commitment to adopting sustainable and scalable solutions. Unlike traditional kinetic weapons, lasers do not rely on finite ammunition supplies, making them both economically and operationally advantageous.

Looking ahead, the HEL system will undergo further testing and refinement to enhance its capabilities and readiness for active deployment. As threats continue to evolve, the British Army’s investment in mobile laser weapon systems signals a forward-thinking approach to protecting combat units and maintaining a technological edge over adversaries. Combining the HEL system’s advanced technology and the Wolfhound’s battlefield-proven performance ensures that the British Army is well-prepared to counter emerging threats while safeguarding its troops in future conflicts.

In an era where drones and other asymmetric threats are reshaping the dynamics of warfare, the successful integration of the High-Energy Laser weapon system onto the Wolfhound represents a crucial step forward. This innovation not only enhances the protection of British combat units but also demonstrates the UK’s leadership in military technology, positioning it as a key player in shaping the future of battlefield defense.