The UK Ministry of Defense has launched Project PANOPTES, a program aimed at developing an autonomous laser-based air defense system capable of detecting, tracking and engaging low-cost drones from armored vehicles.
Launched on September 2, PANOPTES represents the first phase of a multi-stage development and procurement process that could eventually lead to a full-scale weapons program, according to the Ministry of Defense.
The initiative is intended to address the growing use of low-cost unmanned aircraft in warfare, with the Ministry specifically citing lessons from the war in Ukraine. The widespread deployment of inexpensive drones has increased the number of aerial threats that ground forces must defend against, potentially placing greater demands on existing air defense systems.
