QinetiQ invests £20m to accelerate the development and manufacture of high-energy laser technology

At Farnborough International Airshow today, QinetiQ will unveil HELENA™, the new brand name for its coherent beam combination (CBC) High Energy Laser Source products. These laser sources are the critical component of any LDEW system, which can be used to defend against drones and other advanced threats.

With over 25 years’ experience in developing LDEW technology, QinetiQ continues to be a key member of the UK’s DragonFire consortium alongside MBDA and Leonardo, delivering LDEW systems on to Royal Navy ships from 2027.

The £20 million company-funded investment will see QinetiQ increase its development and production capabilities at its sites in both Farnborough and Malvern, expanding the range of products and significantly increasing production capacity for LDEW systems, both for the UK and international defence markets.

Providing a low cost per shot and near-infinite magazine depth, LDEW systems complement existing air defence capabilities, helping to counter, in particular, the prolific use of low-cost drones seen in modern day conflicts.

Steve Wadey, Group CEO, QinetiQ, said: “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.

"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."

QinetiQ’s existing LDEW activity supports 150 jobs directly.