UK and US militaries advance mobile directed energy weapon systems
A CLWS in convoy during a US Air Force Advanced Battle Management System demonstration. (Photo: Boeing)
Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) are becoming more portable and more compatible, as they are mounted onto a variety of vehicles used on land, in the air and at sea by Western militaries.
While lethal man-portable variants of DEWs such as laser small arms remain some time away from mass uptake, recent tests have seen both the UK and the US armed forces studying how to multiply their use of DEWs for mobile field-based operations.
DEWs are also used in static positions as defensive shields for positions units are operating at, as protection against missile, drone or bomb attacks. More mobile
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
Romania approved for additional $280 million Patriot Air Defence System buy
The possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) from the US will cover the system and any related equipment with Lockheed Martin and RTX as primary contractors.
-
Polaris to unveil new MRZR Alpha base vehicle at Modern Day Marine
The new platform was designed to provide 1KW of exportable power as standard and has been developed in partnership with the US Marine Corps (USMC).
-
British Army details Ajax plans
Of the six variants in the Ajax programme – reconnaissance (Ajax), reconnaissance support (Ares), C2 (Athena), equipment repair (Apollo), equipment recovery (Atlas) and engineering reconnaissance (Argus) – the Ajax reconnaissance version is now entering service.
-
CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)
The BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 IFV has been around for decades but continual refreshing to maintain power and relevance, along with a healthy market at home in Sweden and neighbouring countries, has led to more than 1,700 vehicle orders with 10 countries.
-
Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order
The order further extends the Oshkosh Defense production line as AM General, selected for US orders, pushes to get vehicles out the door with no room for export orders.
-
US and Europe continue moves to boost 155mm munitions production
The new US facility for 155mm artillery projectiles is a reflection of a worldwide trend which has also seen Rheinmetall and BAE Systems working to improve capability in the same area.