At the DSEI 2025 exhibition in London, UK-based Sentinel Photonics unveiled two new compact sensor systems—Echo and Laserd Max—designed to enhance dismounted soldier survivability by detecting hidden snipers and hostile laser threats. These lightweight devices leverage passive optical detection technologies to provide real-time situational awareness without emitting detectable signals.
Echo: Passive Detection of Optical Threats
The newly introduced Echo is a man-portable passive optical sensor optimized for detecting sniper scopes, binoculars, cameras, and other reflective optics. Unlike active laser-based systems that emit signals potentially detectable by adversaries or subject to countermeasures like smoke or camouflage nets, Echo operates entirely passively. It scans the environment using multispectral imaging to identify telltale glints or reflections from optical elements aimed at friendly forces.
According to Sentinel Photonics representatives at DSEI 2025, Echo uses a combination of narrow-band filters and advanced image processing algorithms to isolate reflections characteristic of coated glass optics. The system can be mounted on a tripod or integrated into vehicle-mounted ISR suites. While exact specifications remain classified for operational security reasons, open-source data suggests a detection range of several hundred meters under daylight conditions.
This capability is particularly relevant in urban or forested environments where enemy snipers may exploit cover. By alerting troops to potential observation points before shots are fired, Echo serves as an early-warning tool that enhances force protection during patrols or static defense operations.
Laserd Max: Compact Laser Warning System for Dismounted Troops
The Laserd Max complements Echo by offering a lightweight (<1 kg), body-worn laser warning receiver (LWR) tailored for dismounted soldiers. Unlike traditional LWRs found on armored vehicles or aircraft—which are often bulky and power-intensive—Laserd Max is designed from the ground up for infantry use. It detects incoming laser emissions from rangefinders (LRFs), designators (LTDs), beam-riding missile guidance systems, or active targeting aids used by enemy forces.
The device provides directional threat cues via haptic alerts or visual indicators on a wrist-mounted display. This allows the soldier to rapidly determine the likely direction of threat origin without needing line-of-sight confirmation. The system supports multiple NATO-standard wavelengths (including 1064 nm Nd:YAG) and can differentiate between rangefinding pulses versus continuous-wave target designators.
In asymmetric conflicts where irregular forces increasingly use commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) laser devices for targeting drones or marking positions for indirect fire support, such capabilities are critical. Laserd Max fills a longstanding gap in infantry survivability tools by providing real-time awareness of being actively targeted—information that previously was largely unavailable outside vehicle platforms.
Technology Synergy with Counter-UAS Applications
Both Echo and Laserd Max have potential utility beyond traditional sniper detection roles. In particular, their ability to detect optical payloads and targeting lasers makes them relevant in C-UAS (Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems) operations—especially against small drones equipped with EO/IR sensors or laser-guided munitions.
Drones used by both state actors and non-state groups increasingly carry stabilized cameras capable of covert surveillance or target acquisition. By identifying these payloads through their optical signatures (Echo) or detecting their active targeting beams (Laserd Max), Sentinel’s systems offer layered defense against ISR drones operating close to friendly positions.
This aligns with broader trends observed in Ukraine and other recent conflicts where tactical UAS proliferation has outpaced traditional air defense responses. Lightweight sensors like these could be deployed at platoon level as part of distributed C-UAS kits alongside RF jammers or kinetic interceptors.
Design Philosophy: Lightweight Modularity for Infantry Use
A key differentiator of both systems is their focus on dismounted operations—a domain often underserved by high-end sensor manufacturers who prioritize vehicle-mounted platforms. According to Sentinel Photonics’ product literature presented at DSEI:
- Echo: tripod-mountable; weighs under 3 kg; battery-powered; supports integration with Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK).
- Laserd Max: chest-plate mountable; sub-1 kg weight; rechargeable battery; compatible with soldier-worn displays via Bluetooth/USB-C interface.
This modularity allows commanders flexibility in tailoring sensor loads based on mission profile—whether static overwatch positions requiring persistent surveillance (Echo) or mobile patrols needing rapid threat alerts (Laserd Max). Both units are designed with IP-rated enclosures suitable for harsh environments including desert dust/sandstorms and arctic cold weather ops.
Status within UK MOD Programs and Export Potential
The British Army has reportedly trialed earlier versions of both systems under its broader Soldier Situational Awareness modernization initiatives but has not yet announced formal procurement contracts as of September 2025. However, Sentinel Photonics confirmed ongoing evaluations under the UK’s Project THOR—a program focused on integrating modular sensors into next-generation infantry equipment suites.
The company also indicated strong export interest from European NATO members seeking affordable soldier-borne threat detection solutions amid growing concerns over hybrid warfare threats—including sniper ambushes in urban terrain and drone-enabled artillery spotting near frontlines.
If adopted widely across platoon-level formations, these compact sensors could significantly reduce vulnerability during reconnaissance missions or defensive postures without adding excessive weight burdens—a key consideration given increasing kit loads faced by modern infantry units globally.
Outlook: Bridging Capability Gaps in Tactical Threat Awareness
The introduction of Echo and Laserd Max reflects an important shift toward democratizing high-end situational awareness tools previously reserved for armored vehicles or special operations forces. By miniaturizing proven technologies into formats usable by regular infantry squads without extensive training overheads or power demands, Sentinel Photonics contributes meaningfully to force protection innovation at the tactical edge.
If successfully fielded within NATO formations—or integrated into multinational exercises such as Joint Warrior—their performance could inform future doctrine around distributed sensing networks where every soldier becomes a node in the battlefield awareness mesh. As peer adversaries continue investing in precision fires cued by ISR assets down to squad level, such capabilities may prove decisive not only in survivability but also mission success across contested environments.
