UK Navy to Deploy DragonFire Laser Weapon by 2026
The Royal Navy is set to deploy the DragonFire high-energy laser weapon on its warships by 2026, following a £100 million investment involving key industry partners. Initial trials have shown its effectiveness in tracking both air and sea targets, although development faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and technical challenges. The introduction of directed-energy weapons like DragonFire is expected to enhance naval capabilities and potentially ignite a new arms race in laser technology.
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The Royal Navy plans to deploy the DragonFire high-energy laser weapon on its warships by 2026, enhancing UK naval defense capabilities. Developed by a consortium including MBDA UK, Leonardo UK, Qinetiq, and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, the project represents a £100 million investment, with £30 million from the Ministry of Defence.
Initial trials demonstrated DragonFire's precision in tracking both air and sea targets, with high-power tests conducted in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. The development has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and technical challenges.
Directed-energy weapons like DragonFire offer advantages such as precision strikes, low operational costs, and a virtually unlimited magazine depth. Its integration is expected to influence global naval capabilities and may spur a new arms race in laser technology. The collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and industry players underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in defense innovation.
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