QinetiQ unveils Australia’s first high-power laser to boost defence against drone threats

This breakthrough brings QinetiQ and DSTG closer to developing Directed Energy Defensive Systems capable of countering threats from uncrewed aircraft, such as drones. These systems are designed to provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional defence methods while maintaining high operational effectiveness.

Gary Stewart, Chief Executive of QinetiQ’s Australian Sector, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating that it accelerates the development of sovereign High Energy Laser technology. He emphasised that this innovation will strengthen the Australian Defence Force’s ability to manage evolving threats in a rapidly changing security landscape.

Following the success of the initial prototype, QinetiQ is now focused on the next phase—delivering a full-scale version of the technology. This phase is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2025, bringing the project closer to real-world defence applications.

The collaboration between QinetiQ and DSTG combines expertise from both organisations, reinforcing Australia’s sovereign capabilities in directed energy technology. Additionally, QinetiQ is leveraging its experience from the United Kingdom, where it is part of the DragonFire consortium for the UK Ministry of Defence.

A key aspect of this advancement is the fusion of high-power laser amplifiers, designed by DSTG and built by QinetiQ, with QinetiQ’s beam combination technology. This integration has significantly accelerated the development of Australia’s defence capabilities and technical expertise in directed energy systems.