The United Kingdom plans to equip Royal Navy destroyers with the DragonFire laser weapon system by 2027, becoming the first European NATO member to deploy a shipborne directed-energy weapon.
According to Defence Blog, the announcement was reinforced during a NATO industry event held in Portsmouth, where companies involved in the program presented the system to military representatives.
Developed by a consortium led by Leonardo UK, MBDA UK, and QinetiQ, DragonFire is designed to neutralize drones, missiles, and other aerial threats using a high-energy laser beam. According to its developers, each shot costs around US$13, significantly less than a conventional interceptor missile.
The system is expected to be installed first on a Type 45-class destroyer. In addition to its low cost per shot, the weapon engages targets at the speed of light and can continue firing as long as electrical power is available, reducing dependence on ammunition stockpiles during prolonged operations.
The introduction of DragonFire is part of the UK’s strategy to expand the use of advanced technologies to counter increasingly common threats such as low-cost drone swarms.
The program is also part of a broader modernization effort for the UK’s Armed Forces, which includes investments in autonomous vessels, drones, and new combat ships.
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Photos: Leonardo | MBDA | Royal Navy. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
