Cassidian system counters laser weapons

• Tweet

LEIDEN, Netherlands, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- A new electronic defense system for reliable protection against laser-guided weapons has been announced by EADS of the Netherlands.

The system was developed for the German military's procurement authority by Cassidian, an EADS subsidiary.

"The threat from lasers to armed forces on a mission is continuing to increase, because weapons such as laser-guided missiles or sniper rifles with laser targeting optics are widespread," said Elmar Compans, head of the Sensors and Electronic Warfare unit at Cassidian.

"Through the combination of our many years of experience with laser warning sensors and the most varied defense lasers -- as well as the use of commercially available components -- we have succeeded in developing a uniquely effective, targeted counter-measure."

The system is based on the concept of dazzling the targeting optics of the enemy missile with an eye-safe laser beam used with a sensor with high directional resolution. The system uses eye-safe special multispectral technology.

EADS, which said the system would be suitable for use aboard ships, helicopters and ground vehicles, proved effective during field tests at the Bundeswehr Technical Center 81 in Greding, Germany, and additional tests are planned for next year.