How will lasers affect the future battlefield? A new technology program aims to find out

May 18, 2020 - Even as the first direct energy weapons, more commonly referred to as “laser weapons”, are entering service, much is still unknown about what wider impact they may have on military operations.

To help address that, the Norwegian Ministry of Defense today announced funding for a new technology program which will be conducted by Nammo’s Norwegian subsidiary, Nammo Raufoss AS, and the Norwegian Defense Research Establishment.

“Advanced prototypes and the first operational laser weapon systems are in the process of being fielded to military units in several countries. We are also expecting significantly more capable systems to be fielded in the coming years. This means that it is important to study their potential operational impact, as well as how the introduction of laser technology could affect the future of our business,” said Morten Brandtzæg, President and CEO of the Nammo Group.

The NOK 35 million program is jointly funded by Nammo and the Norwegian Ministry of Defense, and aims to increase the knowledge on the effect of Direct Energy Laser weapons on the modern battlefield.

Together with the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), Nammo will study how these weapons could be used, and how to protect both current and future Norwegian Armed Forces weapon systems and platforms against them.

Nammo will be supporting the project through its lead ammunition researchers, offering decades of experience in advanced ammunition design and analysis. The FFI will provide operational insight, laser technology and weapons expertise, as well as expertise in advanced testing and analysis.

Related / Contacts
Endre Lunde
Endre Lunde
Press Contact
Senior Vice President, Communications
 endre.lunde@nammo.com 
 +4790853270

View source version on NAMMO: https://www.nammo.com/newsroom/#/news/how-will-lasers-affect-the-future-battlefield-a-new-technology-program-aims-to-find-out-402519