The United Kingdom has taken a major step in defence technology with the groundbreaking DragonFire laser system. Signing a £316 million contract with MBDA UK, the country is preparing to deliver the system to the Royal Navy starting in 2027.
The next-generation DragonFire achieved a national first in recent tests by successfully targeting high-speed unmanned aerial vehicles. During trials at the Ministry of Defence’s Hebrides range, drones capable of reaching speeds of up to 650 km/h were tested in realistic scenarios, confirming over-the-horizon tracking and targeting capabilities.
Cost Efficiency and Superior Precision
The DragonFire laser weapon system offers a far more economical alternative to traditional missile-based defence, with each shot costing only around £10. The system is capable of hitting a £1 coin from a distance of 1 kilometre, demonstrating exceptional precision.
According to the plans, DragonFire will be integrated into a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer by 2027—five years ahead of the project’s original timeline.
590 New Jobs for the Economy
The contract is set to create and support approximately 590 high-skilled jobs across the United Kingdom. This includes an estimated 200 new roles in Scotland, 185 in South West England, and 75 in Eastern England. The project aligns with the Government’s Reform Plan, which aims to make defence one of the engines driving national economic growth.
Strong Support from Ministers
Minister for Defence Readiness and Procurement Luke Pollard highlighted the innovative role DragonFire will play within NATO, stating:
“This high-power laser will make our Royal Navy one of the alliance’s innovation leaders. It also provides a state-of-the-art capability that will protect the UK and our allies in this new era of threats.”
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander emphasised the importance of Scottish defence industry expertise:
“DragonFire’s achievements prove that Scotland’s expertise is indispensable to the United Kingdom’s security.”
Europe’s First High-Power Laser Capability
As part of the Strategic Defence Review, DragonFire will become the first high-power laser system to enter service in a European nation. The UK’s Directed Energy Weapons programme has received nearly £1 billion in additional investment during the last parliamentary term.
The programme—carried out in partnership by MBDA UK, QinetiQ and Leonardo—offers a more agile and rapid procurement model, allowing next-generation technologies to reach the field sooner.
Statements from Industry Leaders
Chris Allam, Managing Director of MBDA UK:
“This contract strengthens the UK’s ambition to lead in laser-guided energy weapons. The recent trials prove our team’s success in delivering a groundbreaking system for the Royal Navy.”
Steve Wadey, CEO of QinetiQ Group:
“DragonFire is a model programme that rapidly turns the goals of the Strategic Defence Review into reality. We are proud to play a key role in developing this critical capability.”
Mark Stead, VP of Radar and Advanced Targeting at Leonardo UK:
“We are delighted to apply our world-leading experience in laser technology to DragonFire. Today’s contract reflects the rapid progress of defence-industry collaboration.”
