Suitcase-Sized Laser Weapon Destroys Drones in Australian Army Tests

Australia's Department of Defense demonstrated what is not only the country's first laser weapon, but also what is billed as the world's most powerful portable high-energy laser, capable of shooting down drones with revolutionary precision.

As drones pose a growing threat, lasers are an increasingly attractive addition to the arsenal to combat them. While there are many ways to counter drone attacks and intrusions, lasers have the advantage of attacking multiple targets at the speed of light with an infinite number of shots for about a dollar per shot, not counting equipment costs.

Major powers have been pursuing laser weapons for decades and Australia is now getting into the game with the Fractl portable high-energy laser built by AIM Defense. The new system, which resembles a large surveying laser and weighs less than 110 lb (50 kg), was recently tested by the Australian Army at a tank firing range in central Puckapunyal Military Area of Victoria.

The test was carried out alongside conventional anti-drone weapons. While the latter expended a lot of ammo and often could not destroy incoming targets before they reached close range, the laser weapon remained silent and almost motionless while it took out the drones.

According to the manufacturer, Fractl can operate on both battery and mains power and is designed to offer a variety of responses to drones. Not only can it destroy them with a beam the size of a dime as they move at 60 mph (100 km/h) at a range of 3,300 feet (1,000 m) or burn out sensors at 4,900 feet (1,500 m). ), it is also one-tenth the size of similar systems and one-tenth the cost.

It can also respond by flashing warnings, dazzling sensors, or dealing light damage. The laser can be aimed precisely using a remote control which allows the operator to choose which part of the drone to target for maximum effect.

“You press a button to follow the drone and the computer takes over, then you press another button to 'pull the trigger,' like in a video game,” explained Corporal Patrick Flanagan. “With your index finger, you can quickly change aim between the drone's video camera, the center mass, or one of the propellers. It only takes a few seconds to knock out the camera and two or three seconds to deactivate the rotor.”

This precise control also allows the laser to carry out surgical attacks by cutting wires or burning explosives, as well as carrying out complete destruction with what is described as less power than that required to boil a kettle. The targeting system can handle both individual attacks and mass attacks. Additionally, the laser is designed not to harm humans who might catch a reflection in their eyes.

“Drones come in all shapes and sizes and you need a variety of tools to defeat the threat,” said Eli Lea, Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) of the Office of Implementation and Coordination. robotic and autonomous systems (RICO). “Shooting small multi-rotor drones out of the sky is particularly difficult. A directed energy weapon capable of detecting, tracking and engaging these types of targets is part of this toolset. The lessons from Ukraine are that drones are a real problem and if we don't do something about it, we're in for a rude awakening in the next fight. »

Source: Australian Department of Defense