Raytheon UK has announced that a new European hub for laser weaponry is to be based in Livingston.
Anti-drone technology is to be built in Scotland to help meet the growing demand for laser weapons which target small attack drones.
The firm’s president of electronic warfare systems, Annabel Flores, told the BBC that “demand is spiking for cost-effective lasers” able to defeat “asymmetric” threats from drones, rockets and mortars.
The planned “advanced laser integration centre” will focus on the testing, fielding and maintenance of defensive high-energy laser weapons.
It comes after the Ministry of Defence announced that a £160m contract had been awarded to Raytheon UK to support the training and development of Royal Navy personnel at Scotland’s Naval Base Clyde.
Britain’s armed forces began trials last year using laser weapons.
Separately, the global defence company has received a 10-year contract, with an estimated value of $250m, from Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) on behalf of the United States Department of Defense to provide US Air Force and Navy advanced Assured Positioning Navigation and Timing (APNT) products.
The deal includes the Advanced Digital Antenna Product (ADAP) and GPS Anti-Jam System (GAS-1) systems for multiple fixed and rotary wing aircraft and naval platforms for US and allied customers.
This follows on from a previous long-term supply agreement with the US Department of Defense.
Raytheon UK has previously provided advanced GPS anti-jamming technology, including ADAP and GAS-1, as well as small form factor Landshield and Landshield Plus anti-jam antenna systems.
The products are manufactured in facilities at Glenrothes and Livingston.
John Gallagher, managing director for weapons and sensors at Raytheon UK, said: “We will continue to provide the capabilities that improve the safety and security of the warfighter against the ever-increasing threats to GPS signals within the complex battlefield environment.”
The company employs more than 2,000 people across the country, with major facilities in Broughton, Glenrothes, Harlow, Livingston and Gloucester.
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