Euronaval 2026: Pass Dynamics showcases HEL6 compact C-UAV laser

Pass Dynamics' Sherpa C-UAV 6 kW laser directed energy weapon (LDEW), displayed at Euronaval 2026. (Janes/Tristan Sauer)

Italian robotics, optics and computer-vision company Pass Dynamics revealed a new variant its Sherpa 6 kW laser directed energy weapon (LDEW), centred around a 6 kW high-energy laser (HEL), at the Euronaval 2026 exhibition, held in Paris from 3-6 November.

The HEL6 is designed as a counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (C-UAV) and point defence system compact enough to be deployed on small naval platforms, large surface vessels, land vehicles, or as a static installation.

The system's modularity allows integration of additional electro-optical (EO) sensors and lasers to provide scalable effects, according to Pass Dynamics. Compatible modules include: a Class IV laser dazzler for optical disruption; a high-definition (HD)/4K camera with 30× continuous optical zoom using Starvis 2. Starvis 2 is Sony's back-illuminated image-sensor technology for low-light imaging. Other options include a 20 megacandela laser-excited phosphor (LEP) searchlight; an uncooled long-wave infrared (LWIR) thermal camera or a cooled short-wave infrared (SWIR) camera; and a laser rangefinder.

Internal architecture leverages all networked sensors to support complete operational sequencing from target acquisition through tracking to identification, authorisation and engagement. All sensor modules are interchangeable, with the Sherpa BF16 long-range acoustic device (LRAD) intended to streamline logistics. Pass Dynamics describes the BF16 as combining stabilised day and thermal observation, directional voice communication, illumination and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted target tracking on a shared line of sight.