UK to Deploy DragonFire Laser System on Type 45 Destroyers by 2027
The UK plans to integrate the DragonFire laser system into its Type 45 destroyers by 2027, significantly ahead of previous schedules. This shift underscores a strategic transition in naval warfare, aiming to counter drone threats at a fraction of the cost of traditional missile systems.
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The Royal Navy is accelerating the integration of the DragonFire high-energy laser system onto its Type 45 destroyers, with a revised timeline set for implementation by 2027. This initiative, supported by a production contract awarded to MBDA in November 2025, aims to equip at least two destroyers following successful live-fire tests at the Hebridean range.
The integration of directed energy weapons represents a response to the rapid evolution of drone warfare, which has outpaced conventional defense acquisition cycles. Each shot from DragonFire costs approximately £10, compared to hundreds of thousands for missiles, addressing significant operational cost disparities during sustained attacks. The system's effectiveness will depend on its energy storage and availability, enhancing layered defense capabilities against high-volume threats.
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