Britain’s New Laser Weapon Can Blast Drones from the Sky at Lightning Speed

It sounds like something out of a sci-fi thriller, but DragonFire is very real—and very potent. Developed by a UK consortium this laser-directed energy weapon (LDEW) is designed to neutralize drones, mortars, and even missiles with pinpoint accuracy.

DragonFire is no ordinary military system—it's a laser-directed energy weapon (LDEW) developed by a collaboration of MBDA, Leonardo, and QinetiQ. With a high-power solid-state laser that uses beam-combining technology and doped glass fiber bundles, it can strike targets as small as a £1 coin from over a kilometer away.

The beam is estimated to range between 50 and 100 kilowatts, strong enough to melt metal and neutralize drones, mortars, and even incoming missiles with extraordinary accuracy.

Cost and Efficiency

Each DragonFire shot costs less than £10—comparable to running a home heater for an hour—making it exponentially cheaper than traditional missile systems that can cost hundreds of thousands per launch. This affordability could redefine air defense economics.

Deployment and Timelines

Initially slated for deployment in 2032, DragonFire’s timeline has been fast-forwarded to 2027. The UK Ministry of Defence has commissioned the first two systems for £240 million, with plans to equip four Royal Navy warships. Both the British Army and Navy are actively evaluating how to incorporate it into wider air defense strategies.

Combat Trials and Capability

During trials in January 2024 in Scotland, DragonFire successfully engaged aerial targets, showcasing its potential against drones, mortars, and hardened naval-grade surfaces. It demonstrated effectiveness at distances up to 2.1 miles, signaling it’s nearly ready for real combat scenarios.

Geopolitical Impact

There’s serious consideration being given to dispatching early versions of DragonFire to Ukraine, marking it not just as a technological marvel but as a strategic tool in real-world conflicts. Its implications could reshape defense dynamics globally.

A Glimpse Ahead

DragonFire isn’t merely about melting drones mid-air—it represents a leap into a battlefield where speed-of-light weapons offer precision, cost savings, and a redefinition of aerial defense. The United Kingdom is not just preparing for tomorrow; it's helping write the rulebook.

Earlier this month, Israel made history by becoming the first country to successfully intercept enemy drones using laser weapons in real combat.

It may also be recalled that in last month, India’s DRDO successfully developed a 30-kilowatt laser-based directed-energy weapon (DEW) capable of neutralizing aerial threats like fixed-wing aircraft, missiles, and swarm drones.