The Tactical Advanced Laser Optical System (Talos) project, a defence research effort launched under the European Commission’s Preparatory Action on Defence Research, has closed after developing new laser technology.
The European Defence Agency says the Talos project achieved its aim of developing a compact laser able to quickly and precisely neutralise an agile target such as rocket artillery and mortars and unmanned aerial vehicles while significantly minimising collateral damage.
The project produced a high-power amplifier at an eye-safe wavelength and a propagation demonstrator that allows highly efficient coherent combining on target.
The main results, according to the European Defence Agency, addressed the following areas: concept of operations, target vulnerability, laser developments at 2μm, laser combining technology, ethics and safety, and a roadmap for European laser-directed energy weapon systems.
These results will help to enhance the defence capabilities of EU member states in critical laser effector technologies, the European Defence Agency says.
Coming to a close in May, TALOS saw the participation of representatives of the European Defence Agency, Ministries of Defence, and the following 16 beneficiaries from nine European countries: CILAS (France); TNO (Netherlands); Leonardo (Italy); DLR, Airbus Defence and Space and Stelar (Germany); MBDA France, Erdyn Consultants, Université de Limoges and ONERA (France); Ustav Fotoniky a Elektroniky (Czech Republic); Wojskowa Akademia Techniczna and AMS Technologies (Poland); QinetiQ (UK); John Cockerill Defense (Belgium); and AERTEC Solutions (Spain).
