§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what evaluation has been made of directed energy weapons; what joint studies on the development of such weapons have taken place; and if he will make a statement. [36953]
§ Dr. MoonieThe importance of utilising technology to create battle winning forces is a key theme of the Strategic Defence Review. Directed Energy Technology offers a potentially significant military enhancement to our forces but it is just one area of technology development currently being assessed.
This assessment is taking place within the boundaries laid down by conventions and international law.
The MOD investigate Directed Energy Weapons in order to identify potential technologies that may meet joint capability requirements. Details of programmes are classified and I am therefore withholding disclosure of this information under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.