The British Army’s latest field trials for its new mobile laser weapon designed to take down drones, dubbed the Wolfhound high-energy laser weapon system (HELWS), have reportedly been a resounding success. This vehicle, which also serves as an armored carrier for troops, is equipped with an integrated laser that uses “advanced sensors and tracking systems” to swiftly identify and disable drones. Given the rising threat of drones in military zones, near airports, and even in areas like New Jersey, developing rapid and effective anti-drone technologies has become increasingly crucial.

The testing of the laser-equipped Wolfhound took place at the Radnor Range in mid-Wales. The system operates by focusing a high-powered laser beam on a drone while it is in flight, causing it to malfunction and fall from the sky. Advanced sensors and tracking are critical for this process, but, as the video above demonstrates, the proficiency of human operators is also key.

In a press release, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) stated that the integration of the Wolfhound troop-carrying vehicle with the HELWS was accomplished by MOD technical departments in collaboration with an industry consortium led by Raytheon UK.

Warrant Officer Matthew Anderson, the trials manager for the British Army’s Mounted Close Combat Trials and Development Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the tests, “Every engagement we’ve executed has successfully eliminated a drone. We’ve tested at various distances, speeds, and altitudes, and the consistency with which we can neutralize a drone is remarkable. It’s certainly a technology that could complement the range of weapons we utilize on the battlefield.”

An MOD executive commented that having the capability to deploy a mobile system that can track and destroy drones would provide a significant tactical advantage to the British Army. However, the system, as showcased, is not yet a finalized combat-ready asset. Rather, the Wolfhound HELWS is currently described as a “demonstrator,” a precursor to a potential future capability.

The demonstrated potential, cost-effectiveness, and proficiency of the Wolfhound HELWS in dealing with rogue drones lead to hopes that the MOD will allocate the necessary funding to further protect British and allied forces against the threat posed by both autonomous and remotely controlled drone swarms.