Lasers at the ready: Hunt is on to find anti-drone weapon to protect troops and ammo
UK-based innovators have been tasked to come up with an autonomous weapon system to protect troops and their stocks of munitions from drone attack.
The advent of drones has changed the face of modern warfare – and UK Defence Innovation, which works within the MOD to streamline the delivery of defence projects, has identified an urgent need to seek a counter-UAV system.
It says the MOD is interested in a range of innovative solutions including, but not limited to, Laser Directed Energy Weapons.
Twenty days
UK Defence Innovation has issued a tall order, as it's looking for a more affordable response to emerging air threats than legacy systems – with the deadline for submissions to the first stage of the project being midday on 23 September.
The solution needs to be of modular design and be capable of autonomous operation.
Entrants should also consider its ability to be integrated with a future uncrewed ground vehicle and a future Army and joint ground-based air defence capability.
Creating a system for possible export is also a desirable characteristic.
The competition, which is called Project Panoptes, is using a two-stage submission process, with the aim to ease the burden on both applicants and assessors.
Stage 1 provides an initial innovation screening process where applicants outline their idea, while Stage 2 will then request detailed proposals on successful ideas by invitation.
Ever-vigilant
The name given to the project is apt.
In Greek mythology, Argus Panoptes was a giant known for having multiple eyes, which allowed him to be perpetually vigilant.
A number of anti-drone solutions are currently available, including air-to-air missiles adapted for ground use as well as shotguns and a weapon sight that blocks the activation of a rifle's trigger unless a hit is almost guaranteed.
But these options are either still too expensive or are not autonomous, so do not fit the bill.
The DragonFire laser can be used on land as well as being fitted to Royal Navy warships, with the first in place from 2027.
Laser-directed energy weapons like DragonFire use an intense light beam to cut through their target and can strike at the speed of light.
BFBS Forces News previously visited Porton Down military lab in Salisbury to see what remained of a drone after facing DragonFire.
It had been left badly scorched and melted as a result of DragonFire, with clear cracks visible in its shell.
It remains to be seen whether any would-be entrants will suggest something similar – or a completely new design that will help save soldiers' lives and protect their ability to keep fighting for years to come.
Anyone wanting to submit an entry can do so here
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