British naval vessels are set to receive new laser weapons called DragonFire within a few years, developed by MBDA, Leonardo UK, and QinetiQ. The technology aims to revolutionize air defense by using directed energy to down aerial threats at a cost of £10 per shot.
Defense Secretary Grant Shapps announced that DragonFire will be ready for installation on Royal Navy ships in 2027, following a £100 million joint investment. The quickened pace is attributed to new procurement rules allowing for the fielding of promising technology rapidly.
MBDA will conduct additional live-fire testing and begin building the required units. Ship-borne deployment is the initial focus for laser weaponry due to naval vessels’ ability to accommodate the equipment.
