The UK took a step forward in the use of directed energy after confirming that the DragonFire system successfully shot down a high-speed drone during trials at the MOD Hebrides test area in Scotland.
The experiment involved targets flying at up to 650 kilometers per hour and marked the UK’s first demonstration of tracking and shooting targets beyond the horizon. The Ministry of Defense also announced a contract worth around US$414 million to install lasers on Type 45 destroyers starting in 2027.
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The British government emphasized that DragonFire offers long-range precision and extremely low cost of fire — factors that could change the future of air defense. Officials such as Luke Pollard and Douglas Alexander stated that this technology placed Britain at the forefront of internal military innovation NATO and strengthening the role of Scottish industry in national security.
Companies involved in the development of this technology — incl MBDA UK, QinetiQAnd Leonardo — said the program continues to move quickly to deliver revolutionary and unprecedented new capabilities in Europe.
Thus, DragonFire became the first high-power laser operated by a European country, while establishing its position as one of the most advanced directed energy systems in the region.
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @DefenceHQ | This content is created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
DragonFire is a laser directed energy weapon designed and built entirely in the UK.
It can hit a target the size of a £1 coin from a kilometre away, costs only £10 a shot, and just successfully took down a high-speed drone during testing.
Read more ➡️ pic.twitter.com/Edc0lFnCKG— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) November 20, 2025
