UK successfully test airborne laser defense system to counter infrared missiles

The British Ministry of Defence has reported successful trials of a laser self-protection system, which demonstrated the system’s effectiveness in countering infrared heat-seeking missiles.

The trials at the Vidsel Test Range in Sweden showcased the laser system’s ability to neutralize 100% of missile threats encountered. This technology will eventually be integrated into various RAF aircraft, including the intelligence-gathering Shadow R2 and A400M transporter.  

Developed by Team Pellonia—a collaboration between Leonardo UK, Thales UK, and the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)—the system merges detection and tracking technology with jamming capabilities. The trials assessed the system’s capacity to engage multiple missile threats simultaneously. 

“Identifying, tracking and defeating threats from the air in seconds is crucial to having the edge over those who try to do us harm,” Defence Secretary John Healey commented. 

The system utilizes Thales’s Elix-IR threat warning technology to detect missile launches, effectively filtering background noise to isolate genuine threats. Leonardo’s Miysis directed infrared countermeasure (DIRCM) then tracks the missile and employs a laser to disrupt it. 

The trials attracted senior military officials from various NATO countries, according to the ministry. 

In January 2024, the UK reported the successful trial of another laser weapon against aerial targets. During the trial at the MoD Hebrides Range, orchestrated by the Dstl, the DragonFire system demonstrated its effectiveness by successfully destroying drones approaching from various directions and several kilometers away.  

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