UK’s DragonFire Laser Weapon Demonstrates High-Speed Drone Interceptions

The UK’s DragonFire laser weapon system has successfully intercepted high-speed drones during recent trials, coinciding with the awarding of a £316 million contract to MBDA to deliver the system to the Royal Navy.

Recent testing conducted at the Ministry of Defence’s Hebrides range demonstrated the system’s ability to engage drones flying at speeds up to 650km/h, twice the top speed of a Formula 1 car. These trials marked a UK first for above-the-horizon tracking, targeting, and interception of such high-velocity aerial threats. The system is noted for its high precision, possessing the capability to hit an object the size of a £1 coin from a kilometre away.

Financially, the directed energy weapon offers a distinct operational advantage over traditional kinetic interceptors. The cost of operation is approximately £10 per shot. This stands in sharp contrast to conventional missile systems, which can cost upwards of hundreds of thousands of pounds per firing.

Under the newly awarded contract, MBDA UK will lead the delivery of the system, working in partnership with QinetiQ and Leonardo. Leonardo has utilized its experience in laser development to produce the beam director, which harnesses and directs the energy, while QinetiQ has been integral to the development and testing phases.

The system is scheduled to be fitted to a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer by 2027. This timeline represents a significant acceleration of the programme, delivering the capability five years earlier than originally planned. This rapid approach to defence procurement aims to continuously improve the system while getting it into service faster.

Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said, “This high-power laser will see our Royal Navy at the leading edge of innovation in NATO, delivering a cutting-edge capability to help defend the UK and our allies in this new era of threat. We are delivering on our Strategic Defence Review by backing British industry and creating hundreds more jobs, making defence an engine for growth across the UK.”

Chris Allam, MBDA UK Managing Director, said, “This latest contract for DragonFire is another significant milestone. It allows us to continue with the next phase of the programme and re-affirms the UK’s intent to be at the forefront of laser directed energy weapons. The success of recent DragonFire trials are a testament to our MoD and Industry team delivering a truly game-changing weapon system into the hands of the Royal Navy.”

The DragonFire project is part of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) and represents the first high-power laser capability from a European nation to enter service. It is considered one of the most advanced directed energy weapons programmes within NATO. The SDR has supported UK Directed Energy Weapon development with a further investment of nearly £1 billion during this Parliament alone.

Beyond its military application, the programme is expected to create and sustain 590 jobs across the UK. This includes 200 highly skilled roles in Scotland, 185 in the South West of England, and 75 in the East of England.