UK and US militaries advance mobile directed energy weapon systems
A CLWS in convoy during a US Air Force Advanced Battle Management System demonstration. (Photo: Boeing)
Recent tests have demonstrated how the UK and US armed forces have been scaling DEWs for mobile field-based operations.
Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) are becoming more portable and more compatible, as they are mounted onto a variety of vehicles used on land, in the air and at sea by Western militaries.
While lethal man-portable variants of DEWs such as laser small arms remain some time away from mass uptake, recent tests have seen both the UK and the US armed forces studying how to multiply their use of DEWs for mobile field-based operations.
DEWs are also used in static positions as defensive shields for positions units are operating at, as protection against missile, drone or bomb attacks. More mobile
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Avon Protection looks to tactical ocular protection with new powered goggle]()
Avon Protection looks to tactical ocular protection with new powered goggle
At DSEI in September, Avon Protection introduces its newest product, the MITR-PG1 Powered Goggle, designed to provide particulate and CS/CN riot control agent filtration, in addition to high-impact and ballistic protection, for military, first responders, and law enforcement users worldwide.
-
![First Czech CV90 MkIV rolled out as part of multi-billion-dollar programme]()
First Czech CV90 MkIV rolled out as part of multi-billion-dollar programme
The Czech Republic CV9030 MkIV has a more powerful 1,000HP engine than the previous variant and an upgraded X300 heavy-duty transmission.
-
![Digital backbone: bringing new capabilities to the UK defence market]()
Digital backbone: bringing new capabilities to the UK defence market
In Conversation: Shephard’s Gerrard Cowan talks to Bittium’s newly appointed general manager for UK defence, Dean Aldridge, about how the company’s tactical communications technologies can empower the British armed forces, and its ambitions for the UK market.
