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TechQinetiQ invests £20M to accelerate laser weapon development
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QinetiQ, a UK defence technology company, announced a £20 million investment to accelerate the development and production of high-energy laser directed energy weapons. The company unveiled its HELENA brand of coherent beam combination laser sources at the Farnborough International Airshow. These laser sources are critical components for systems designed to defend against drones and advanced threats. QinetiQ is a member of the UK's DragonFire consortium, alongside MBDA and Leonardo, which aims to deliver laser weapon systems to the Royal Navy from 2027. The investment will expand production capacity at QinetiQ's sites in Farnborough and Malvern and support 150 existing jobs. CEO Steve Wadey highlighted the technology's low cost per shot and near-infinite magazine depth, positioning it as a game-changer in battlefield economics against drone threats.
Source report
QinetiQ has announced a £20 million company-funded investment to accelerate the development and production of laser directed energy weapon technology.
Investment Details
The investment will expand QinetiQ's product portfolio and production capability to support future laser weapon programmes in the UK and allied markets. It will also increase development and production capacity at the company's sites in Farnborough and Malvern.
New Product Brand: HELENA
At the Farnborough International Airshow, QinetiQ unveiled HELENA, a new brand name for its coherent beam combination high energy laser source products. According to the company, these laser sources are the critical component of any laser directed energy weapon system, which can be used to defend against drones and other advanced threats.
Industry Background
QinetiQ has more than 25 years of experience in developing this technology. The company remains a member of the UK's DragonFire consortium, alongside MBDA and Leonardo, which is scheduled to deliver laser weapon systems onto Royal Navy ships from 2027.
Strategic Advantages
According to QinetiQ, laser directed energy weapons offer:
- Low cost per shot
- Near-infinite magazine depth
- Complementary capability to existing air defences
- Effective countermeasure against low-cost drones seen in modern conflicts
Executive Comment
Steve Wadey, Group CEO of QinetiQ, stated:
"Directed Energy Weapons are quickly moving from development to deployment to change the game in battlefield economics against the drone threat, and QinetiQ has been at the forefront of this technology for two decades."
He added:
"The investment announced today demonstrates our commitment to accelerating both the development and manufacture of sovereign laser technology, ensuring we can meet the growing demand from the UK and our international allies and provide them with the operational advantage on the battlefield."
Employment Impact
QinetiQ confirmed that its existing laser weapon activity directly supports 150 jobs.
Source
UK Defence JournalWestern
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QinetiQ Invests £20 Million in Laser Weapon Development