In first, UK downs aerial drone with test shot from DragonFire laser
LONDON — The British Defence Ministry announced on Friday that an industry team has successfully destroyed an aerial target using their DragonFire laser for the first time. This milestone achievement marks a significant step towards deploying the laser system, which could potentially happen within the next five years.
The urgent need to develop such weapons arises from conflicts in Ukraine and the Red Sea region, where inexpensive but effective drones pose a threat and expensive air defense missiles are employed. The cost of operating the DragonFire laser is significantly lower, at just £10 (U.S. $13) per shot, making it an economical option, according to the ministry.
Launched in 2017, DragonFire is a £30 million technology demonstrator program led by missile-maker MBDA, in partnership with Leonardo UK and QinetiQ. It is part of a joint £100 million investment by the ministry aimed at developing directed-energy weapons, including radio-frequency direct-energy weapons.
The successful test results with DragonFire represent a major breakthrough in advancing laser technology for practical use, the ministry stated. This achievement follows a series of trials conducted last year, which included the first static high-power laser firing of a U.K.-made capability, as well as a demonstration of the DragonFire system’s ability to accurately track moving air and sea targets.
The recent trials have demonstrated that the technology can effectively track and engage high-end targets at a significant range. Shimon Fhina, the director of ministry’s strategic programs, expressed satisfaction with the results and emphasized the government’s commitment to speeding up the program’s next phase.
While the timing of deployment into U.K. service remains uncertain, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory spokesperson suggested that it could happen within the next five to ten years, depending on various factors.
The MoD has already outlined plans for transitioning directed-energy weapons into the military, which involve establishing safety protocols, implementing training, creating operational concepts, and developing doctrine, among other measures.
Doug Barrie, an air warfare analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, praised the U.K.’s progress in laser technology, highlighting the country’s historical expertise in this field. He acknowledged the funding limitations compared to global powerhouses like the U.S., Russia, and China but noted that the challenge lies in commercializing the technology rather than in its development.
Both the British Army and the Royal Navy have expressed interest in utilizing laser technology for air defense. Reports from Naval News last year suggested that the MoD is considering retrofitting a 150-kilowatt-class laser directed-energy weapon onto the new Type 26 frigates starting in the early 2030s.
Without disclosing specific technical details about DragonFire, including its range and power levels, the ministry confirmed that it is a line-of-sight weapon capable of engaging any visible target.
The successful trial took place at a test range in Hebrides, Scotland. While the precise details about the drone target, such as range, altitude, and speed, were not made available, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory confirmed that the DragonFire laser effectively shot down the drone.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps hailed this cutting-edge weaponry as potentially transformative in the battlespace, reducing ammunition costs and minimizing collateral damage. He emphasized the significance of investments in advanced technologies like DragonFire to effectively navigate the challenges of a highly contested world.
By achieving this milestone, the United Kingdom has demonstrated its commitment to stay at the forefront of laser technology development. The deployment of directed-energy weapons could revolutionize defense strategies and provide more cost-effective solutions in countering emerging threats. As the program progresses, the British military will continue to explore the potential applications of the DragonFire laser and further enhance its defensive capabilities.
