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In a milestone achievement for Australian defence technology, QinetiQ has successfully demonstrated a prototype of its scalable high-power laser optical chain at QinetiQ Laboratories in Adelaide.
This milestone, reached in collaboration with Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), marks a significant step towards the development of sovereign Directed Energy Defensive Systems to counter emerging threats posed by uncrewed aircraft, including drones.
Following the successful demonstration, QinetiQ and DSTG are now better positioned to explore pathways for integrating this cutting-edge technology into Australia’s defence capabilities.
“This achievement is an Australian-first. Our aim is to accelerate the development of sovereign high-energy laser technology so it can be offered to the Australian Defence Force, enhancing their ability to manage current and emerging threats,” said Gary Stewart, chief executive, QinetiQ Australian sector.
“Once matured, Directed Energy Defensive Systems will provide a lower-cost way to counter the threats posed by uncrewed aircraft compared to existing methods currently used within defence.”
QinetiQ is now focused on delivering the next phase of the project – a full-scale prototype – set for completion in the first half of 2025.
The company’s strategic partnership with DSTG enables it to harness the expertise of both organisations to advance sovereign capabilities in the directed energy field. Additionally, QinetiQ benefits from insights gained through its collaboration with QinetiQ UK, a key member of the DragonFire consortium, which is developing high-energy laser technology on behalf of the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence.
The fusion of high-power laser amplifiers, designed by DSTG and built by QinetiQ with QinetiQ’s beam combination technology, has accelerated the development of sovereign capabilities and skills in this critical field.
Directed energy is one of six Defence Innovation, Science and Technology (IS&T) strategic priorities. The partnership between QinetiQ and DSTG exemplifies how DSTG is mobilising the Defence IS&T ecosystem to rapidly translate advanced technologies into operational capabilities for the Australian Defence Force.
