28/10/2023
Sit REP
Lasers now being deployed by US forces and its Allies.
The 100kw "Iron Beam" system is designed to be a mobile asset to Isreals 10 Iron Dome missile Batteries, and will compliment the 30 launchers the idf currently deploy. there are plans to have around 25 of the lasers deployed, which, when networked, will be able to focus fore on any incoming targets.
These systems, and larger versions, are currently being installed and tested by various western defense firms.
Both the UK, US, and Isreal have now ordered systems for various platforms, from static installs, to ship and air capable bolt on pods.
The Uk's new Destroyer series that will replace the Daring class will feature new anti air laser units, and existing refits will feature the new weapons developed by BAE, RAYTHEON, and LEONARDO.
The current TYPE 45 destroyers are to be armed with £100 million laser installs on the planned refits.
DRAGONFIRE will be fitted to smaller platforms, such at the TYPE 26 and intrgrated into the UK's deployable Army units.
The UK and US are aslo working on wing mountable systems for both the F35, and F22.
The UK's new TEMPEST fighter project also feature a laser array built into the airframe.
These systems negate the expense of launching a missile that can cost upwards of $5 million a launch.
Read more, here.
Acquisition of a maritime laser weapon system is one of three priority areas identified by the UK MoD as part of the'Transition Phase' programme.
