UDT 2022: Dstl explores feasibility of directed energy for submarine defence
Vanguard-class submarine HMS Victorious. Could UK RN submarines be fitted with laser weapons for air defence? (Photo: UK MoD/ Crown Copyright)
Research from Dstl explored how a laser weapon could be deployed on the mast of a submarine.
A directed-energy solution could be used to defend submarines from aerial threats, according to a study by the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) presented at the UDT event in Rotterdam on 7-9 June.
Dstl senior principal advisor Tim Vickery outlined how laser directed-energy weaponry could be used in niche applications onboard submarines as a defence against aerial threats.
Vickery said it was possible to employ a directed-energy weapon on a submarine in a counter-ASW role with current technology.
While it is feasible to employ directed-energy armament in the role described, Vickery emphasised that future work beyond generic feasibility would
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