UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) Conducts DragonFire Laser Trials as an Affordable Missile Substitute

In a recent trial, the UK has successfully tested a high-power laser weapon against an airborne target. The aim of this test was to explore a cost-effective alternative to missiles for shooting down drones and other targets. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) claims that the DragonFire weapon is so precise that it can hit a £1 coin from a kilometer away. The MoD described this trial, which took place at its Hebrides Range in Scotland, as a significant step towards implementing this technology. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps believes that it could reduce reliance on expensive ammunition and minimize collateral damage. Both the Army and Royal Navy are considering incorporating this technology into their future air defence capabilities. Although laser weaponry may seem like something out of science fiction, the US Navy has already installed similar systems on various destroyers. However, missiles have been the predominant method for shooting down drones in the current conflict with the Houthis in the Red Sea. This can be a costly approach, with some missiles costing millions of pounds compared to drones that cost just a few thousand. According to the MoD, firing the DragonFire system for 10 seconds is equivalent in cost to using a regular heater for an hour, with each shot costing less than £10. Laser-directed energy weapons use an intense beam of light to target and destroy their objective at the speed of light. The DragonFire system's range is classified but can attack any visible target within its operational range. This technology is being developed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and industry partners on behalf of the MoD. Dr. Paul Hollinshead, CEO of Dstl, states that these trials have taken a significant step forward in understanding the potential benefits and dangers of directed energy weapons. The DragonFire weapon system is the result of a £100 million investment from both the MoD and industry. The development of laser weapons is happening in response to the increasing use of drones in warfare, as seen in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Russia is reportedly using Iranian-made "kamikaze" drones to attack Ukrainian cities, while Ukraine has created its own "drone army" utilizing hobby drones for military purposes.