British DragonFire Anti-Air Laser Deployment Date Accelerated To 2027
The United Kingdom announced Friday that it is accelerating its target date for deployment of the DragonFire anti-missile and drone laser aboard Royal Navy ships to 2027, five years ahead of original plans.
The UK’s Ministry of Defence says that the accelerated schedule is made possible by a new defense procurement model allowing a “minimum deployable capability” to be deployed first. According to the ministry, development of such systems will be finalized once they are in service, “ensuring that personnel can access the tools they need for an evolving threat”.
DragonFire is being jointly developed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory with MBDA, Leonardo and QinetiQ. While details on the laser weapon system’s performance targets have not been disclosed, the Ministry of Defence says that it will be able to “fire at any target visible in the air at around £10 a shot and with an accuracy equivalent to hitting a pound coin from a kilometre away”.
DragonFire conducted its first successful full-power test against a target in January 2024, shooting down a drone on the MOD Hebrides Range off Scotland’s northwestern coast.
The UK Ministry of Defence announced its plans for a new military procurement model at the end of February, with the emphasis on “minimum deployable capability” part of the new “spiral development by default” approach pursued to accelerate development and deployment of new military equipment.
Dstl’s Chief Executive Paul Hollinshead said the accelerated schedule was “excellent news”, and a “real step forward in enabling operational advantage at pace for UK Defence”. Hollinshead added:
“Dstl is all about preparing for the future and the DragonFire technology is a great example of that.
Our scientists along with industry partners have worked tirelessly to bring laser technology to where it is today, one which I am proud to say is a UK sovereign capability.”
Grant Shapps, UK Defence Secretary, said:
“In a more dangerous world, our approach to procurement is shifting with it. We need to be more urgent, more critical and more global.
Our widespread reforms will deliver the latest kit and weaponry for our Armed Forces faster and help identify export opportunities that can boost the UK economy.
DragonFire shows the best of the UK at the forefront of military technology, and we will not delay in getting it in the hands of our military to face down the threats we’re facing.”