Thales and Adelaide University to develop extended range laser C-UAS technology

Thales Australia and the University of Adelaide have formed a partnership to explore the development of a Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) to counter battlespace threats, including fast-moving swarms of low-profile, armed uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) at extended ranges.

The partnership will explore the application of ultra-short pulse LDEW where long-range continuous wave systems have traditionally been used. 

Thales says ultra-short pulse lasers can be transformative in the development of Directed Energy capabilities, which is one of the six immediate priorities for Australia’s Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA).