Thales Australia and University of Adelaide partner to explore long-range counter UAS laser technology

• Thales Australia and University of Adelaide will explore development of a unique Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) to counter battlespace threats, including fast-moving swarms of low-profile, armed Unmanned 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.
• Ultra-short pulse lasers (USPL) can be transformative in the development of Directed Energy capabilities, one of the six immediate priorities for the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA).

Traditionally, counter-drone LDEW are based on continuous wave systems that are more limited in range and slower to counter threats.

A USPL-based capability is more effective at long range, can penetrate through fog or cloud, and has a significantly smaller weight, space and power requirement; enabling mobility, transportability and integration into vehicles and smaller platforms.    

Graham Evenden, Thales Australia Director OME said: “This is an exciting opportunity to work with the University of Adelaide on a unique USPL technology that builds on Thales’ expertise in Directed Energy Weapons, optronics and laser science.

"This exploration has the potential to lay a strong foundation for future innovation in laser technologies for the Australian Defence Force and its allies.”

Professor Anton Middelberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), University of Adelaide said: "As one of the nation’s most research-intensive institutions the University of Adelaide is pleased to be working with Thales Australia to undertake impactful research into Ultrashort and Short Pulse Laser (USPL) technology within the DualTech-USPL group.

"This partnership is part of the University’s commitment to ensuring that it builds and maintains the research skills, infrastructure, commercialisation and knowledge transfer abilities required to contribute to the defence of our nation.”