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Melbourne-based AIM Defence has been selected by the Canadian Department of National Defence to demonstrate its Fractl high-power laser system.
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The system will be pitted against a red team of drones in a real-world scenario as part of the 2024 Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox.
The Fractl system can reportedly burn through steel and engage drones travelling at 100 kilometres an hour from one kilometre away.
The company explained that the system is portable and battery-powered, with the targeting system able to be remotely operated from across the globe.
The sandbox will be held in May and June 2024, forming part of Canada’s Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security program. It will examine 15 of the world’s most advanced counter-uncrewed aerial systems, including capabilities from Boeing USA and Leonardo.
The sandbox will help support the continued development of the directed energy weapons system, Jessica Glenn, co-founder of AIM Defence, said.
“The user feedback will be important for ongoing development of our Fractl system, which is low-cost and portable, and engineered for enhanced safety compared to typical directed energy systems”, Glenn explained.
Canada’s push for counter-UAS capabilities is being led by the Canadian Joint Operations Command, in coordination with the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, and the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command.
The drone exercise will help inform the future of C-UAS warfare, Dr Jae Daniel, co-founder of AIM Defence, said.
“Autonomous and remotely-operated attack drones have become a prolific and increasing asymmetric threat both in conflict zones and to public safety,” Daniel remarked. The sandbox is an important opportunity for AIM Defence to demonstrate Fractl’s precision tracking and targeting in a variety of defensive operations.”
It comes less than a year after Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles opened the largest directed-energy test range in the Southern Hemisphere at AIM Defence’s directed-energy facility in Melbourne.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor attended the opening event with AIM Defence representatives in the suburb of Derrimut on 18 March 2023.
The new 2,000-square metre indoor direct-energy range facility, sponsored by RAAF Jericho, represents three years of development for the Victorian defence and space manufacturing company.
It’s expected to house high-power laser research and development labs, sensors capable of operating and analysing high-power lasers, advanced fabrication equipment, and an additive and subtractive manufacturing centre.
“Had the fantastic opportunity to visit AIM in Derrimut with my colleague Brendan O'Connor MP, and officially opened their new indoor direct energy range facility,” Minister Marles said.
