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US-based Italian-owned defence contractor Leonardo DRS has confirmed delivery of its 1,000th Solaris ruggedised laser system for US military helicopters and fixed-wing platforms.
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The Solaris laser source operates as part of the Northrop Grumman Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) system mounted on rotary wing, tilt rotor and small fixed-wing platforms used by the US armed services.
The CIRCM next-generation aircraft protection system is designed to defend aircraft from a range of missile threats. The laser works in the CIRCM system to “dazzle” the missile’s infrared guidance system allowing the aircraft to safely move away from the missile threat.
“We are proud to be a trusted partner with Northrop Grumman on this critical technology designed to keep aircraft and aircrews out of harm’s way,” according to Dr Timothy Day, Leonardo DRS Daylight Solutions business unit general manager and senior vice-president.
“This highly reliable technology is designed for the high-threat environment our aircrews face today and tomorrow, and we are pleased to play a part in providing this protection for users across the services.”
The Solaris Line Replaceable Unit is modular and expandable to adapt to future threats, according to the company.
US Army and Northrop Grumman program officials will visit the Leonardo DRS production facility in San Diego to celebrate the delivery of the 1,000th Solaris unit for the CIRCM program, and to congratulate employees on their dedication to keeping frontline pilots and aircrews safe.
The Australian Department of Defence will develop laser technology with Mitsubishi Electric Australia, according to an announcement made late last year.
The joint development project aims to develop and transition a capability for the Australian military to enhance surveillance and survivability of Australian defence platforms, according to the statement made by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation on 19 October.
“Development of this capability, based on cutting-edge laser technology developed by Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), will utilise laser technology fostered by Mitsubishi Electric.
“Mitsubishi Electric will provide the prototypes and its capabilities.
“This project is the first case of a joint development agreement between Japanese company and a foreign government in the defence sector and is a new business model for Japan, which has been promoting transfer of defence equipment and technology through public-private partnerships.
“Mitsubishi Electric will promote transfer of defence equipment and technology cooperation.”
In April 2023, QinetiQ Australia announced a $12.9 million two-year contract with Defence Australia to co-develop and manufacture a high-energy defensive laser system prototype capable of deployment in a wide range of operational environments.
Under that agreement, collaborative work would be undertaken with the DSTG to develop and deliver laser sources suitable for directed energy applications.
QinetiQ had previously announced a three-year, $13 million directed energy laser weapon development contract with Australia, in a third quarter trading update on 18 January 2023.
Canberra-based defence company Electro Optic Systems had also pitched a “silent and deadly” directed energy laser system during a live fire demonstration last year.
