The UK has approved a £316 million contract to advance the Royal Navy’s first high-power laser weapon after the system successfully brought down high-speed drones during recent trials.

The deal with MBDA UK will accelerate development and allow the laser, known as DragonFire, to be fitted to a Type 45 destroyer within the next two years, well ahead of the original timeline.

At present, the Daring-class destroyers rely on Sea Viper missiles, the 30mm gun, small arms and the Phalanx close-in weapon system for air defence.

These systems have already been used effectively in operations, including when Sea Viper missiles and HMS Diamond’s 30mm gun intercepted Houthi-launched drones targeting shipping in the Red Sea.

DragonFire is intended to offer a low-cost and highly precise alternative. Each shot is expected to cost around £10, compared with more than £1 million for a single Sea Viper missile, and the laser removes the risk of running out of ammunition.

Developers say the system can strike a target the size of a £1 coin at a distance of one kilometre.

During the most recent trials, DragonFire detected, tracked, engaged and eventually destroyed above-the-horizon drones travelling at high speeds. Officials described this as a UK first.

MBDA is working in partnership with QinetiQ and Leonardo to refine the design and performance of the system before installation on one of the Portsmouth-based destroyers.

According to third-party reporting, MBDA UK’s Managing Director Chris Allam stated that the UK was at the forefront of laser weapon development and regarded DragonFire as a significant step forward for the Royal Navy.

Defence Readiness and Industry Minister Luke Pollard was also cited as saying the system would position the Royal Navy at the leading edge of innovation within NATO.

The high-power laser weapon will be the first of its kind to enter service in any European nation, and the programme is expected to create or support nearly 600 jobs across the UK.

Reference: Royal Navy