Australia has begun testing a weapon that uses laser technology to track and destroy targets.
At a Puckapunyal Camp range in Victoria, the Australian Defence Force used the Fractl Portable High Energy Laser to shoot down a drone target 500 meters away.
“You push a button to track the drone and the computer takes over, then you push another button to ‘pull the trigger’ just like a video game,” said Army Cpl. Patrick Flanagan.
The directed-energy weapon is controlled by pressing buttons on a handheld device similar to a Windows Steam Deck.
“With your index finger, you can quickly change your aim between the drone’s video camera, center mass, or one of the propellers,” Flanagan added.
Designed and manufactured by AIM Defence, Fractl’s technology promises to strengthen the nation’s counter-unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities.
The Melbourne company has engaged drones 1 kilometer away in previous tests.
According to Jessica Glenn, co-founder of AIM Group, the result of the recent demonstration at Puckapunyal “paints a pathway toward getting this novel wavelength to match similar ranges as our one-micron system.”
In March, ADF placed an order for Fractl:2 directed-energy weapons from AIM Defence under a $3.2 million contract. Delivery will begin in mid-2024.
