The UK has significantly expanded its DragonFire laser weapon deployment plan for 2027, increasing the number of warships set to receive the system from one to four.
The shift comes in response to rising tensions in the region, fueled by Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and growing concerns over Britain’s military capabilities.
The expanded deployment is part of a broader 2.2-billion-pound ($2.8-billion) defense funding boost for the upcoming fiscal year, which is being considered a “down payment” on the government’s pledge to increase defense spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027.
In April 2024, the Royal Navy initially announced plans to install the DragonFire laser weapon on a single warship by 2027 to address drone and missile threats.
While the specific warships slated to receive the system have not been disclosed, reports suggest that the Type 45 destroyers and newer Type 26 frigates are likely candidates due to their robust power-generation capacity.
‘Low-Cost, Rapid-Response’ Weapon
DragonFire is a high-energy laser system designed to counter fast-moving threats like drones and missiles.
Developed by an MBDA-led UK consortium, the system has been praised for its cost-effectiveness, with each shot costing less than 10 pounds ($12.9).
This makes it a viable alternative to conventional missiles, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per shot.
The system also offers highly precise targeting; it is capable of hitting a coin-sized target from 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) away, making it ideal for situations where accuracy and minimizing collateral damage are critical.
In terms of energy consumption, a 10-second burst from the laser reportedly uses the same power as a domestic heater running for one hour.
Once deployed, the DragonFire laser is expected to significantly enhance the Royal Navy’s ability to defend against emerging threats, providing a rapid-response capability with minimal operational cost.
