France launches anti-UAV laser turret on armored vehicle

First unveiled at Techterre 2025, the HELMA-LP system mounted on the T1 Hornet turret brings anti-UAV warfare into modern warfare.

To counter the growing threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on the battlefield, two French companies, CILAS and Arquus, have recently taken an extremely bold step in integrating the HELMA-LP laser system into the T1 HORNET remote-controlled turret. An integrated combat system, where weapons and equipment are perfectly combined.

This development is part of a pilot program aimed at providing concrete solutions for ground forces facing an urgent need for decentralized counter-drone capabilities. Earlier in early 2025, the HELMA-LP laser system was introduced and mounted on the Sherpa Scout vehicle.

A few weeks ago, the first demonstrations of this system were conducted, with tests firing at various targets at a distance of about 200 meters. The results were astonishing: the laser weapon was able to disable the UAV's optical system within a second and completely disable the UAV in less than ten seconds.

With its rapid response capabilities, the HELMA-LP laser system becomes a potentially useful weapon for frontline units, which often lack adaptive solutions to counter swarms of drones or single-operator UAVs.

In addition, HELMA-LP is distinguished by its easy integration into the T1 HORNET turret. The system is installed via the Picatinny rail on the main gun, allowing for simple installation without major modifications. The system is powered by an integrated generator at the rear, eliminating the need for a complex external power source.

With its modular, removable design, the system is easily compatible with other turret components, including the Galix smoke grenade launcher, the FN Herstal 12.7 mm machine gun and the Echodyne radar receiver, contributing to the turret's automatic alignment capabilities.

In addition, HELMA-LP is derived from the HELMA-P laser system, which was previously tested and deployed by the French Navy to protect Paris from drones during the 2024 Olympic Games.

The HELMA-LP is designed to be highly tactically portable, taking the form of an AR-15-based laser rifle and connected by two cables to a 15 kg backpack containing rechargeable batteries. These batteries provide enough power to allow the laser to operate continuously for up to 60 seconds, with typical exposure times of 5-15 seconds, enough to disable a target through prolonged exposure to the beam.

HELMA-LP was originally designed for discrete target neutralization missions, damaging or destroying electronic sensors, cameras, aiming systems and electro-optical equipment through the thermal effects of a laser beam. HELMA-LP operates silently and invisibly, making it suitable for special forces that need to disable sensitive equipment without revealing their location.

Although HELMA-LP was not designed to counter drones, tests have shown that even a low-power laser beam can damage a UAV’s optical sensor, proving its importance not only in counter-UAV operations but also in remotely disabling improvised explosive devices.

Furthermore, the cooperation between CILAS and Arquus not only addresses the shortcomings of the French ground forces, but also opens a credible path towards developing more advanced anti-drone capabilities.

While the development of a fully integrated and robust solution is still underway, the HELMA-LP demonstrator on the T1 HORNET turret marks an important milestone in the adaptation of ground forces to modern threats, meeting the needs of close-in protection, discrete electronic warfare and cyber warfare in the medium term.

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