The UK is just steps away from acquiring cutting-edge air defense technology—experts have developed a laser-based aircraft defense system, which has successfully passed tests proving its ability to protect against missile threats. The system was tested in Sweden, where it intercepted several infrared heat-seeking missiles during the trial.
The air defense laser is the result of collaboration between the Ministry of Defense, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), and industrial partners—Leonardo UK and Thales UK, collectively known as Team Pellonia. It is reported that this system is planned for installation on the Shadow R2 and A400M Atlas aircraft, which are part of the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom. The laser system will enable them to quickly detect missile threats and effectively neutralize them.
During combat trials at the Vidsel range in Sweden, the system intercepted and destroyed several missile targets with high precision. The success of these tests demonstrates the capability of Thales’s Elix-IR threat warning system and Leonardo’s Miysis DIRCM directed infrared countermeasure system to provide protection for the UK armed forces.
“Detecting, tracking, and neutralizing airborne threats in seconds is crucial for maintaining an advantage over those who seek to harm us,” stated UK Defense Minister Jon Healey regarding the importance of advanced defense technologies. “We are equipping our Armed Forces with the most modern technologies to ensure their safety and give them an edge in operations.”
A representative from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), Mark Elson, also emphasized that the UK must focus on developing innovations and fostering collaboration.
“The UK’s defense system is the culmination of a detailed understanding of evolving threats by the Ministry of Defence, as well as years of investment in science and technology carried out by DSTL,” he noted. “This has been aligned with the developmental capabilities of our commercial partners through Team Pellonia.”
The latest laser system employs advanced algorithms to filter out background noise, detecting only real threats. Once identified, the laser is precisely aimed at the target to neutralize the threat. High-ranking military officials from NATO countries observed the tests. According to Mark Stead, Senior Vice President at Leonardo for Radar and Advanced Targeting, the Miysis DIRCM tool has proven to be a reliable and effective defense system, already in use across multiple platforms. Stephen McKenna, Managing Director of Thales Optronics & Missile Electronics UK, expressed pride in how effective this technology has proven to be.
“Elix-IR has demonstrated its world-leading capabilities as a multifunctional infrared threat warning system of the latest generation,” he reported.
Moreover, the United Kingdom will gain another benefit from this system, as it will create approximately 1,950 jobs across Scotland.
Source: ukdefencejournal
