Raytheon to Integrate High Energy Laser Systems onto U.A.E.'s Rabdan Vehicles

U.A.E.-based AL JASOOR today announced its collaboration with Raytheon Emirates and Raytheon Intelligence & Space (RI&S) to embed a High-Energy Laser Weapon System onto Rabdan 8x8 Infantry Fighting Vehicles.

Alan Davis, CEO of Raytheon Emirates, said: “With drones presenting both opportunities and challenges, we at Raytheon Emirates are honoured to be collaborating with AL JASOOR and EARTH to equip the Rabdan armoured vehicle with counter-UAV capabilities that provides an effective and safe approach to identifying and negating potential threats."

EARTH, a leading facilitator of R&D, engineering, and technology integration, and sister entity of AL JASOOR within EDGE, is responsible for the seamless integration of the Rabdan vehicle with the advanced laser system, the company said in a release.

Announced ahead of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2021 which takes place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre between 21-25 February, the integrated vehicle is on display as part of the broader EDGE stand.

The next generation Rabdan 8x8 armoured fighting vehicle is an advanced, mission-ready platform built to meet a range of versatile objectives. Highly mobile on land and water, Rabdan is available in several configurations and can be equipped with different levels of armour protection to ensure tactical and technical advantages.

Raytheon’s High Energy Laser Weapon System is powered by technologies that use photons, or particles of light, to carry out military missions. The cutting-edge product uses an advanced electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor, to detect, identify and track multiple threats, primarily from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Once targeted, the system is designed to rapidly and precisely engage, and neutralize, the non-cooperating UAV.

When connected to an adequate power source, Raytheon’s laser systems demonstrate "infinite magazine depth," or a virtually unlimited supply of ammunition. Complementing their pinpoint accuracy, lasers represent a low-cost-per-shot option, making them an ideal solution for low-cost threats, such as those posed by drones.

As an additional feature that reinforces its suitability for the Rabdan amphibious vehicle, the laser weapon system boasts high survivability, while providing 360-degree coverage in a rugged package that can be scaled to accommodate the demands of the mission.