KWESST Micro Systems Inc. announced that it has filed a U.S. patent application for the core module of its next-generation Battlefield Laser Detection System, branded "BLaDE" and will make the BLaDE module available as a plug-and-play offering to third-party OEMs for incorporation into their new and legacy electro-optical systems on armored vehicles. Lasers, including Light Detection And Ranging ("LIDAR") are a growing threat in the modern battlespace. Historically, legacy laser detection systems are essentially defensive in nature.

They typically consist of sensor pods on armored vehicles that detect lasers from precision-guided munitions and then activate smoke on the vehicle to disrupt the laser targeting of the incoming munition. LIDAR systems are prevalent in war zones, including the Ukraine, to detect targets through obstructions like camouflage netting and foliage, increasing the vulnerability of ground forces and assets to attack from precision munitions. In a leap ahead, KWESST's next-generation patent-pending BLaDE not only detects lasers, including LIDAR, but also discriminates whether they are friend or foe, and identifies the kind of laser right down to make and model.

It also pinpoints the source of the laser so friendly forces can target it. Crucially, the BLDS is optimized to sense all known laser threats on the battlefield and process counter-measures faster than current laser warning receivers. These advances in technical capability constitute the scope of the patent filing.

This breakthrough capability changes laser detection from defense to offense.