UK Speeds Up Drone-Zapping Laser Deployment on Warships

Britain's Ministry of Defense will equip warships with lasers by 2027 to neutralize drones, significantly ahead of the initial 2032 timeline. These DragonFire lasers boast pinpoint accuracy and a remarkably low cost of £10 per shot, making them a cost-effective solution compared to expensive missiles like Sea Viper, which cost around £1 million each.

Britain Accelerates Deployment of Drone-Destroying Lasers on Warships

London, United Kingdom - In a significant development for the British Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has announced plans to equip warships with lasers designed to effectively neutralize drones. This move comes as part of a wider reform to hasten the adoption of advanced technologies.

Cost-Effective Defense against Drone Threats

According to the MOD, the lasers, known as DragonFire, offer a cost-efficient solution for targeting drones. With an estimated cost of around 10 British pounds (approximately $12.52) per shot, they are considerably more economical than conventional missile systems. Moreover, DragonFire lasers are highly accurate, boasting the capability to hit a target as small as a pound coin from a distance of one kilometer (0.62 miles).

Advanced Technology for Future Threats

The DragonFire lasers employ an intense beam of light to penetrate targets, rendering them an effective long-term alternative for drone defense. This technology, initially projected for deployment in 2032, has been advanced by five years due to the urgent need to address evolving threats.

Statement from Defense Secretary

In a statement released by the MOD, Defense Secretary Grant Shapps emphasized the significance of these reforms, stating: "In an increasingly perilous global landscape, our procurement approach must adapt... these comprehensive reforms will ensure our Armed Forces have access to cutting-edge equipment and weaponry at an accelerated pace."

"DragonFire epitomizes British ingenuity and military technological prowess," Shapps added. "We will prioritize its deployment to empower our military in facing the challenges of the present and future."

Context: Drones and Defense

Drones have emerged as a formidable weapon in modern warfare, presenting cost-effective means of attacking high-value military targets. While drones can inflict significant damage, shooting them down can be costly. For instance, the Sea Viper missiles used by Britain to neutralize Houthi drones in the Red Sea have an estimated cost of 1 million British pounds ($1.26 million) per shot.

This disparity in cost has prompted the British government to seek innovative solutions for drone defense. The DragonFire laser system, with its exceptional accuracy and low operating costs, represents a promising advancement in this domain.

Conclusion

The accelerated deployment of DragonFire lasers on British warships marks a significant step in the modernization of the Royal Navy. This technology provides a cost-effective and highly effective means of countering drone threats, enhancing the capabilities of the Armed Forces to safeguard the nation's interests in an increasingly challenging geopolitical environment.