Laser Anti-Drone System Set to Transform UK Defence with Sub-£1 Intercept Cost

UK independent drone consultancy Drone Major has entered a strategic partnership with defence photonics pioneer olee.space to introduce a first-of-its-kind laser technology designed to fundamentally transform the United Kingdom's counter-drone capabilities.

Ultra-Low Cost, High-Efficiency Interception

The new system uses a high-power fibre laser to neutralise intruding drones, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional air defence solutions. Traditional missile-based systems can cost upwards of £150,000 per round and struggle to keep pace with the rapid proliferation of low-cost aerial threats. By contrast, this laser platform achieves each intercept for under £1, with an engagement time — from detection to kill — of less than three seconds.

Addressing Europe's Escalating Drone Threat

The system has been developed in direct response to growing operational challenges across Europe. Airports on the continent have faced repeated drone incursion incidents in recent years, causing widespread flight cancellations, resource drain, and serious safety risks. The platform combines multiple laser beams into a single, highly focused beam that travels at the speed of light and can engage targets at ranges of up to six kilometres.

Exclusive Distribution and Market Positioning

Drone Major has secured exclusive integration and sales rights for the olee.space-designed system across the UK, US, and EU markets. The arrangement is intended to strengthen the UK's counter-drone capabilities while simultaneously developing domestic manufacturing capacity for systems critical to protecting key national infrastructure. Target applications include airports, energy facilities, army, air force, and naval units, border security agencies, and other critical infrastructure networks.

Modular Plug-and-Play Architecture

The system features a versatile plug-and-play design that can be integrated with any existing tracking and detection infrastructure worldwide, including radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, and multi-spectral systems. As a non-kinetic solution, it produces zero collateral damage, making it safe to operate in densely populated areas, near fuel storage facilities, and in the vicinity of sensitive electronic equipment.

Validated in Demanding Combat Environments

Prior to its introduction to the UK market, the technology underwent extensive field testing by the Indian Armed Forces across desert, maritime, mountainous, and tropical environments. The system has also been validated in mobile configurations, including direct integration with existing infrastructure, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), naval vessels, and helicopters.

Industry Leaders Respond

Robert Garbett, Founder and CEO of Drone Major, said: "This partnership will help to revolutionise the UK's drone defence systems, filling a critical gap in countering the threat of low-cost drone swarms. olee.space's cutting-edge counter-drone technology will ensure the UK's critical national infrastructure is protected from drone incursions, incidents that are becoming increasingly frequent around the world."

Garbett added: "The UK has excellent talent and a wealth of innovative technology, and this new partnership will drive the growth of the UK's precision drone and counter-drone industry, enabling it to independently manufacture high-tech systems domestically."

James Soloman, Co-Founder of olee.space, commented: "Gaining access to this first-of-its-kind counter-drone system will place the UK at the forefront of the global drone industry, providing a reliable and cost-effective solution to low-cost drone incursion incidents. Our partnership with Drone Major will empower UK SMEs and start-ups to develop their own production capabilities and strengthen the resilience of the UK's supply chain."

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