Enabling new underwater capabilities with kilowatt-class blue lasers

15 Apr 2026
Theatre 2
  • Introduction of novel developments in high-power blue lasers at 450 nm, which enable long-range transmission in water.
  • Initial experiments and theoretical insights regarding future underwater defense capabilities.
  • Review of key applications including secure optical communication and direct energy deposition for structural modification or material ablation.
  • Discussion of strategic potential for defense scenarios such as ASW, MCM, ISR, and MSA, especially in deep submerged wireless covert communication and manipulation.
Chairperson
Matthew Gleed
Matthew Gleed, Lead Consultant Architect - Royal Navy: Underwater Battlespace
Speakers
Simon Britten
Simon Britten, Senior Technology Manager - Laserline GmbH
Ivor Nissen
Ivor Nissen - Bundeswehr Technical Center for Ships and Naval Weapons, Maritime Technology and Research (WTD 71)