Laser beam that can destroy targets at speed of light is tested from UK army vehicle for first time
The British Army has just trialled a 'game-changing' futuristic weapon which could see warfare changed forever.
Now when you hear the phrase laser beam weapon, you'll most likely think of the Death Star in Star Wars or various types of ray-guns which have cropped up in futuristic sci-fi movies across the years.
Well it looks like the distant future is nearly here as the UK has just trialed a new high-powered laser weapon which could be making its way to the battlefield in the near future.
The weapon is the brain-child of the Defence Science and Technology (Dstl), the Laboratory's Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) programme, alongside US defence company Raytheon, and has been designed with the idea of giving troops an increased operational advantage on the battlefield.
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Check out footage of the laser yourself in the video below:
The weapon was successfully tested for the first time at government facilities at Porton Down, Wiltshire by being mounted onto the back of a military vehicle.
Officials at the MoD have described the development as 'groundbreaking' and hopes that new laser-based weapons systems will be a cheaper and more effective way of shooting enemy drones out of the sky.
Calling the development a 'pivotal' moment in the race to develop operational capabilities of the British Army, Matt Cork, Dstl Programme Lead, said: "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."
Now the weapons system may make us look like futuristic supervillains, but the laser beam won't be used to obliterate entire cities or planets any time soon as it's primary use will be a more affordable way to shot down 'enemy drones'.
According to engineers at Raytheon, the laser will cost just 10p per shot, which is far more cost efficient than previous missiles.
"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," James Gray, chief executive and managing director of Raytheon UK, added.
"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 statement added that UK soldiers will start trialling the next steps of laser-based weaponry later in the year.
This isn't the first time the UK defence industry has dabbled in making laser weapons either, with footage of the DragonFire laser weapon being declassified earlier this year.
Designed to 'revolutionise the battlespace' the DragonFire will is said to be able to hit an object the size of a £1 coin from over a kilometre away - costing just £10 per shot.
Brenna Cooper