DragonFire Laser System to Deploy on British Warships by 2027

The DragonFire laser system is scheduled to be installed on Royal Navy warships by 2027, five years earlier than originally planned.

This accelerated timeline is attributed to recent reforms in defence procurement aimed at streamlining processes and prioritizing delivery of weaponry to frontline units.

DragonFire is being developed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) in collaboration with industry partners MBDA, Leonardo, and QinetiQ.

The system uses laser-directed energy to engage targets at the speed of light.

Able to fire at target visible in the air at around £10 a shot and with an accuracy equivalent to hitting a pound coin from a kilometre away, the DragonFire weapon will provide effective defence against drone and missile threats, the UK defence ministry said. 

Laser weapons were originally expected to be rolled out to UK armed forces in 2032.

The new procurement reforms emphasize early engagement with industry stakeholders to shape proposals and identify export opportunities from the outset, aiming to expedite development and deployment while ensuring coherence and efficiency in the procurement process.