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British Navy expands DragonFire Laser Weapon Deployment to Four Warships Enhancing Precision Defense.
The British Royal Navy now plans to equip four of its warships with the DragonFire directed energy weapon system by 2027. This decision accelerates the previous schedule, which initially planned for DragonFire to be installed on a single ship by that date. The announcement follows a £2.2 billion increase in the UK defense budget, as decided by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the Spring Statement. This measure raises defense spending to 2.36% of the GDP, with a target of 2.5% by 2027.
DragonFire delivers high-precision targeting, rapid response to fast-moving threats, and effective close-range defense against drones and missiles within line of sight. (Picture source: UK MoD)
According to official statements, additional funding has been allocated for the acquisition of advanced technologies, including DragonFire. Designed as a cost-effective alternative to conventional missiles, the system uses a concentrated laser beam to neutralize aerial threats at a significantly lower cost than traditional interceptors. Each shot from DragonFire costs only a few dozen pounds, compared to hundreds of thousands or even millions for guided munitions or air-defense missiles. This feature is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on ammunition stockpiles and ensure sustained defensive capability during extended operations.
The DragonFire project is being developed under the direction of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) in collaboration with MBDA, Leonardo, and QinetiQ. Recent test campaigns, including those conducted at the Hebrides range, have demonstrated the system’s effectiveness against moving aerial targets. These developments mark a key step toward the operational deployment of this technology within the Royal Navy.
While the specific warships set to receive DragonFire have not been officially confirmed, Type 45 destroyers are considered likely candidates due to their power-generation capacity, which can support a 50 kW laser system. This deployment comes amid increasing global security concerns and the growing use of aerial threats, particularly drones and cruise missiles used by both state and non-state actors. Recent operations in the Red Sea against Houthi-launched drones and missiles have underscored the need for defensive systems capable of countering such saturation attacks efficiently and at a lower cost.
DragonFire offers several technological advantages. Its laser system can precisely target threats with accuracy comparable to striking a coin from a kilometer away. It provides an immediate response capability against high-speed moving targets without the complex interception calculations required for conventional missiles. While the exact range remains classified, the system operates within a direct line of sight, making it suitable for close-range naval defense against drones and short- to medium-range missiles.
This initiative is part of a broader UK effort to develop directed energy weapons. In addition to DragonFire, other programs are underway to create similar systems for ground-based air defense and counter-drone operations. The long-term goal is to expand these capabilities, increasing laser power beyond 100 kW to make them effective against ballistic and hypersonic missiles.
The integration of DragonFire into the Royal Navy represents a shift in naval defense strategies. By combining precision targeting, low operational costs, and sustained engagement capacity, the system could redefine the future of naval defense. However, its success will depend on effective integration into operational forces and its ability to function in various environmental conditions. With this announcement, the UK reinforces its commitment to advancing military technologies and strengthening the resilience of its fleet against evolving threats.