UK Integrates DragonFire Laser on Type 45 Destroyers at the Core of its Next Generation Air Defence.

According to information published by the UK Ministry of Defence on 2 June 2025, a historic £5 billion technology investment has been launched to transform the British Armed Forces through the large-scale adoption of autonomous systems and directed energy weapons. Presented as a central element of the new Strategic Defence Review (SDR), the initiative aims to position the United Kingdom at the forefront of NATO innovation, drawing on lessons from the war in Ukraine and aligning with the Government’s Plan for Change.
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The DragonFire laser weapon system is scheduled to be installed on Royal Navy Type 45 destroyers starting in 2027 as part of a multi-layered air defence network (Picture source: UK MoD)

Of the total funding, over £4 billion will be allocated to accelerating the development and deployment of autonomous systems across land, air, and maritime domains. These technologies, including next-generation uncrewed aerial systems, are intended to improve the precision, lethality, and operational range of British forces while supporting the export potential of the UK defence industry. More than £2 billion of this sum constitutes new funding, made possible by a historic increase in the defence budget, which will reach 2.5% of GDP by 2027. An additional £1 billion is designated for the development of directed energy weapons (DEWs).

The DragonFire laser weapon system forms the cornerstone of the DEW capability, making the United Kingdom the first European country to integrate such a weapon into its armed forces. The system is scheduled to be installed on Royal Navy Type 45 destroyers starting in 2027 as part of a multi-layered air defence network. A separate DEW system intended for the British Army will be developed within this decade. These weapons are designed to neutralize threats such as drones at the speed of light, while reducing collateral damage and reliance on traditional munitions.

The SDR outlines a fundamental shift in defence capability, with plans for rapid and large-scale integration of autonomous and uncrewed systems within the next five years. This shift reflects changes in modern conflict, as seen in the widespread use of drones and digital systems in Ukraine. To facilitate this transition, a new Drone Centre will be established to coordinate the development and accelerated deployment of these systems across all three branches of the armed forces. The centre will also serve as a regulatory hub and a platform for sharing best practices.

This investment is expected to create at least 300 additional skilled jobs across industry and the Ministry of Defence, supplementing the 200 positions already supported by existing DEW programmes. It is part of a broader series of recent defence announcements, including the construction of twelve new attack submarines, the procurement of 7,000 long-range weapons, the opening of six new munitions factories, and over £2.5 billion allocated to military housing and battlefield technologies.

Defence Secretary John Healey stated that this investment marks a major technological step forward for the UK’s armed forces and aims to ensure their readiness in the face of evolving threats. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves emphasised the alignment between national security and economic development, identifying defence as a driver of industrial and technological activity. The SDR was informed by input from 1,700 individuals, 200 defence companies, and over 120 experts, gathered through a broad national consultation.

With this strategy, the United Kingdom aims to address previous capability gaps, reinforce its position within NATO, and assert itself as a key factor in future military technological development.