UK demonstrates DragonFire, a next-generation laser weapon against drones
The United Kingdom has taken a major step toward deploying Europe’s first operational military laser system. The Ministry of Defence has signed a $413 million contract with MBDA UK to field the DragonFire directed-energy weapon, a highly precise and extremely cost-efficient anti-drone system.A successful live-fire demonstration in Scotland
DragonFire recently completed a series of tests at the Hebrides Range in Scotland, where it successfully intercepted high-speed drones traveling up to 650 km/h—twice the top speed of a Formula 1 car. These trials confirmed the system’s ability to track, lock onto and disable fast aerial targets with remarkable precision.The UK plans to deploy the first laser units aboard Royal Navy destroyers starting in 2027, marking a transformative milestone for European air defense capabilities.
A game-changing cost advantage
One of the most striking features of DragonFire is its cost per shot: approximately $13. By comparison, traditional missile-based interceptors can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per launch. This economic efficiency is crucial as militaries confront mass-produced, inexpensive drones used in both reconnaissance and swarm-style attacks.Because a laser relies on electrical power rather than ammunition, its effective ammunition supply is virtually unlimited as long as energy is available.
Advanced British beam-combining technology
DragonFire uses a sophisticated beam-combining system that merges dozens of fiber-laser sources into a single, coherent 50 kW beam. This approach increases power, stability and range while maintaining exceptional accuracy. Developers state that the laser can strike a one-pound coin at a distance of one kilometer—illustrating its extraordinary targeting precision.Future upgrades are already underway, with research focusing on 100 kW and higher power classes capable of neutralizing not only drones but also cruise missiles, artillery shells and potentially even ballistic threats.
A new era of air defense
As low-cost drones continue to reshape modern warfare, nations face rising demand for scalable, sustainable and precise defensive tools. DragonFire is emerging as one of the first practical laser systems capable of countering these threats without unsustainable financial or logistical burdens.With Europe’s first operational deployment on the horizon, the UK is positioning itself as a leader in directed-energy technology during a pivotal moment in global military innovation.
Editorial Team - CoinBotLab
Source: OSINTtechnical
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