QinetiQ demonstrates Australian-first laser technology to enhance sovereign defence capabilities
12/03/2025
Following the successful demonstration, QinetiQ and DSTG are closer to understanding pathways for sovereign Directed Energy Defensive Systems to counter current and emerging threats posed by uncrewed aircraft, such as drones.
“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 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 focussed on delivering the next phase of the project, a full-scale prototype of the technology, in the first half of 2025.
QinetiQ’s strategic partnership with DSTG enables it to leverage the knowledge and expertise of both organisations to further develop sovereign capabilities within the directed energy field, while also utilising the expertise from QinetiQ in the United Kingdom, a member of the DragonFire consortium 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.
Directed energy is one of six Defence Innovation, Science and Technology (IS&T) strategic priorities. The strategic partnership between QinetiQ and DSTG is a prime example of how DSTG is mobilising the Defence IS&T ecosystem to rapidly translate technologies into capability for the Australian Defence Force.
ENDS
About QinetiQ
QinetiQ is an integrated global defence and security company focused on mission-led innovation. We employ more than 8,500 highly-skilled people, committed to creating new ways of protecting what matters most; testing technologies, systems, and processes to make sure they meet operational needs; and enabling customers to deploy new and enhanced capabilities with the assurance they will deliver the performance required. Visit our website www.QinetiQ.com. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @QinetiQ. Visit our blog www.QinetiQ-blogs.com.
The Australian Sector is a global leader for threat representation solutions, supporting Australian and Allied Defence Force training and readiness, in addition to delivering critical capability in test and evaluation, engineering, manufacturing and program delivery. Visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates.
For further information, please contact
Matthew Peake
Media Relations Manager – Australia Sector
M: +61 (0) 476 820 022