QinetiQ has successfully demonstrated a prototype of its scaleable high power laser optical chain at QinetiQ Laboratories (QLabs) in Adelaide, in collaboration with Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG). Following the successful demonstration, QinetiQ and DSTG are closer to understanding pathways for sovereign Directed Energy Defensive Systems to counter current and emerging threats posed by uncrewed aircraft, such as drones.
“This achievement is an Australian-first. Our aim is to accelerate the development of sovereign High Energy Laser technology so it can be offered to the Australian Defence Force, enhancing their ability to manage current and emerging threats,” said Gary Stewart, Chief Executive Australian Sector. “Once matured, Directed Energy Defensive Systems will provide a lower-cost way to counter the threats posed by uncrewed aircraft compared to existing methods currently used within defence.”
QinetiQ is now focussed on delivering the next phase of the project, a full-scale prototype of the technology, in the first half of 2025. QinetiQ’s strategic partnership with DSTG enables it to leverage the knowledge and expertise of both organisations to further develop sovereign capabilities within the directed energy field, while also utilising the expertise from QinetiQ in the United Kingdom, a member of the DragonFire consortium on behalf of the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence.
The fusion of high-power laser amplifiers, designed by DSTG and built by QinetiQ, with QinetiQ’s beam combination technology has accelerated the development of sovereign capabilities and skills. Directed energy is one of six Defence Innovation, Science and Technology (IS&T) strategic priorities. The strategic partnership between QinetiQ and DSTG is a prime example of how DSTG is mobilising the Defence IS&T ecosystem to rapidly translate technologies into capability for the Australian Defence Force.
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