The conclusion of TALOS (Tactical Advanced Laser Optical System), a significant collaborative defense research project initiated under the European Commission’s Preparatory Action on Defense Research (PADR), has been successfully achieved. On 23 May 2023, the final event was held online, bringing together consortium members, representatives from the European Defense Agency (EDA), Ministries of Defense, industry, and academia. This event marked an important milestone in the project’s journey.

The primary objective of the TALOS project was to create a compact and efficient laser system capable of rapidly and accurately neutralizing agile targets, such as Rocket Artillery and Mortar (RAM) systems and Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), while greatly reducing the risk of collateral damage. The project focused on developing a laser technology that would offer enhanced precision and speed in target neutralization, thereby providing an effective defensive solution with minimal unintended consequences.

With resounding success, the TALOS project has accomplished its goals by developing a compact laser technology capable of effectively neutralizing agile targets while greatly minimizing the risk of collateral damage. The project’s significant achievements encompassed several key areas, including the establishment of a robust CONOPS (Concept of Operations), advancements in target vulnerability analysis, breakthroughs in laser development at 2 μm, innovations in laser combining technology, comprehensive considerations of ethics and safety, and the formulation of a roadmap for European LDEW (Laser Directed Energy Weapon) systems. These notable outcomes have propelled the field of laser technology and defense capabilities forward.

The project implementation culminated in the development of two demonstrators: a high power amplifier at eye-safer wavelength and an innovative propagation demonstrator allowing highly efficient coherent combining on target. The results of the project will contribute significantly to enhancing EU Member States’ defence capabilities in critical laser effector technologies.

About TALOS  

TALOS brings together 16 beneficiaries from 9 European countries. Led by CILAS (France), it also includes TNO (Netherlands), Leonardo (Italy), DLR, Airbus Defence and Space, Stelar (Germany), MBDA France, Erdyn Consultants, Université de Limoges, ONERA (France), Ustav Fotoniky a Elektroniky (Czech Republic), Wojskowa Akademia Techniczna, AMS Technologies (Poland), QinetiQ (UK), John Cockerill Defense (Belgium) and AERTEC Solutions (Spain).

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Post Image Credit- European Defense Agency