A Raytheon-US Navy team has successfully destroyed four drones flying over the sea by using a combined-beam fibre laser.

The unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down using the navy’s laser weapon system (LaWS) guided by Raytheon’s Phalanx close-in weapon system sensor suite.

During the test, the Phalanx operator tracked and provided the target range data to the LaWS, mounted on a stable platform, allowing it to destroy the drones.

Raytheon Missile Systems president Taylor W Lawrence said the team demonstrated the system’s capability to detect, track, engage and defeat dynamic targets at tactically significant ranges in a maritime environment.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“The Raytheon-US Navy team is moving directed energy solutions toward utility in the battlespace to provide warfighters with speed-of-light protection,” he said.

“This shoot down leverages the significant investment the navy has made in the Phalanx close-in weapon system and extends its combat-proven leadership in close-in defence systems.”