QinetiQ, in partnership with the Australian Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), has showcased a scalable high-power laser optical chain prototype at QinetiQ Laboratories (QLabs) in Adelaide.
This demonstration marks an Australian-first laser technology, aimed at strengthening defence capabilities.
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QinetiQ and DSTG are now closer to identifying potential pathways for developing sovereign directed energy defensive systems to address both current and future threats from uncrewed aircraft, including drones.
The event comes after a $12.9m contract awarded by the Australian Department of Defence to QinetiQ Australia in 2023, aimed at co-developing the laser system prototype for deployment across various operational environments.
QinetiQ Australian sector chief executive Gary Stewart said: “This achievement is an Australian-first. Our aim is to accelerate the development of sovereign High Energy Laser technology so it can be offered to the Australian Defence Force, enhancing their ability to manage current and emerging threats.”
The partnership allows QinetiQ to combine its expertise with DSTG, and also draw on the knowledge from QinetiQ in the UK. The company is part of the DragonFire consortium for the UK Ministry of Defence.
The company notes that the integration of high-power laser amplifiers with QinetiQ’s beam combination technology has advanced the progress of sovereign capabilities and expertise. The amplifiers have been designed by DSTG and constructed by QinetiQ.
Directed energy is recognised as one of the six strategic priorities under the Defence Innovation, Science and Technology (IS&T) framework.
According to QinetiQ, the collaboration exemplifies how DSTG is activating the Defence IS&T ecosystem to swiftly convert technological innovations into practical capabilities for the Australian Defence Force.
Stewart said: “Once matured, Directed Energy Defensive Systems will provide a lower-cost way to counter the threats posed by uncrewed aircraft compared to existing methods currently used within defence.”
QinetiQ is now focused on advancing to the next phase of the project, which involves developing a full-scale prototype of the technology in the first half of 2025.
