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DSEI 2021: MoD awards Thales naval laser demonstration contract

14th September 2021 - 12:30 GMT | by Harry Lye in London

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A laser directed energy weapon will be fitted to a Type 23 frigate for testing in 2023. (Photo: MoD/ Crown Copyright)

Thales will develop a naval directed-energy weapon that will be fitted onto a Type 23 frigate for testing.

UK Minister for Defence Procurement Jeremy Quin has announced a swathe of contracts to develop directed energy weapons (DEW), including a naval laser that will be fitted onto a Type 23 frigate.

Speaking on 14 September at DSEI, Quin said: 'We are investing £6.6 billion [$9.15 billion] in research and development across defence over the next four years, reaffirming our commitment to provide the Armed Forces with truly advanced capabilities.

'Directed Energy Weapons are a key element of our future equipment programmes and we intend to become a world-leader in the research, manufacture and implementation of this next-generation technology.'

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