FARNBOROUGH, UK, — June 10, 2026 : Sentinel Photonics, a UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) spin-out company specializing in laser threat detection technologies, has unveiled the LASERD NOMAD, a new vehicle-mounted laser warning system designed to provide military and security personnel with early detection of laser-guided threats.
The system is intended for rapid deployment across a broad range of platforms, including soft-skinned security vehicles, Humvees, armored military vehicles, and small maritime boats. According to the company, LASERD NOMAD is the first platform-based solution within its LASERD family of laser detection products and is designed to improve survivability against increasingly common laser-guided weapons and targeting systems.
Designed to Detect Laser Threats Before Impact
LASERD NOMAD continuously monitors the visible, near-infrared (NIR), and short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectrums between 600 and 1700 nanometers, enabling the detection of non-visible laser rangefinders and target designators commonly used to support precision-guided munitions.
The system provides 360-degree horizontal coverage and 150-degree vertical coverage, allowing it to monitor threats from multiple directions without blind spots. When a hostile laser is detected, crews receive an estimated 10 to 30 seconds of warning before a potential strike, providing valuable time to conduct evasive maneuvers, reposition vehicles, deploy countermeasures, or take other defensive actions.
Threat alerts are delivered through Sentinel’s proprietary Laser Detect application running on a ruggedized Android device. Both audio and visual notifications provide operators with immediate awareness of the direction and nature of the detected threat.
Sensor Architecture Reduces False Alarms
Sentinel Photonics stated that LASERD NOMAD employs a threat-specific sensor architecture designed to distinguish military laser threats from civilian and background battlefield laser activity.
This filtering capability is intended to reduce false alarms and maintain reliable performance in complex electromagnetic environments where multiple laser sources may be present. By focusing on genuine threats, the system aims to support faster and more accurate decision-making during operations.
The company noted that the system maintains a sensitivity level of 30 pJcm⁻² or better across its operating waveband, ensuring that crews can be alerted even when positioned slightly outside the direct targeting zone of a hostile laser source.
Independent Testing Confirms Long-Range Detection
According to Sentinel Photonics, LASERD NOMAD has undergone independent verification against military-grade laser rangefinders and target designators at standoff distances exceeding 4 kilometers.
Field trials conducted at a distance of 4.3 kilometers produced the following results:
- Designator Detection: More than 50 meters diffuse scatter and 10 meters off-axis.
- Rangefinder Detection: 20 meters diffuse scatter and 5 meters off-axis.
These results demonstrate the system’s ability to detect laser activity not only in direct line-of-sight scenarios but also when laser energy is scattered or observed from off-axis positions.
Compact Design for Rapid Integration
A key feature of LASERD NOMAD is its compact, low size, weight, and power (SWaP) design. The unit weighs 1.1 kilograms and measures 200 mm × 160 mm × 100 mm, allowing it to be installed without affecting vehicle mobility or operational performance.
The system is powered through standard USB connections or vehicle power sources ranging from 5V to 24V, enabling compatibility with a wide variety of military and security platforms.
LASERD NOMAD is also rated IP67, providing protection against dust and water ingress and supporting operations in challenging environmental conditions.
‘Walk-On Fit’ Installation Concept
Sentinel Photonics has incorporated a “walk-on fit” installation approach that enables rapid retrofitting onto existing vehicle fleets without requiring major structural modifications or lengthy maintenance periods.
The company says the system can be installed on both new and legacy platforms within minutes, making it suitable for military organizations seeking to enhance vehicle protection without extensive integration programs.
“Vehicle crews operating in contested environments face laser-guided threats they cannot see coming,” said Jackson White, Chief Commercial Officer at Sentinel Photonics.
“NOMAD closes that gap. It retrofits to any platform in minutes, operates without degrading vehicle performance, and delivers operationally validated early warning that gives crews a real chance to survive.”
Global Availability and Support Package
LASERD NOMAD is now available through Sentinel Photonics’ partner network across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region.
The system is supplied as a complete Platform Protection Device, including the sensor unit, mounting hardware, vehicle power kit, end-user device, and access to the Laser Detect application.
Customers also receive in-country training, lifecycle software upgrades, and remote or on-site technical support as part of the standard package.
Expansion of Sentinel’s Laser Detection Portfolio
The launch of LASERD NOMAD follows a period of growth for the Porton Down and Farnborough-based company. Earlier in 2026, Sentinel Photonics secured strategic investment from defense-focused backers Galvion and FNX Ventures to support the development of its ITAR-free laser detection, protection, and Laser Intelligence (LasINT) technologies.
With the introduction of LASERD NOMAD, Sentinel Photonics is expanding its portfolio of laser threat detection systems aimed at providing enhanced situational awareness and force protection for land and maritime platforms operating in increasingly contested environments.
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