Image source: topwar.ru
The British Ministry of Defense said that the nationally developed DragonFire laser turret successfully hit high-speed drones during tests at a test site in the Hebrides, and therefore the deployment of production of this type of weapon begins.
The £316 million contract with MBDA UK provides for the supply of systems for Type 45 class destroyers from 2027, which will allow the Navy to withstand massive attacks by UAVs and missiles, relying on economical laser weapons, rather than spending scarce and expensive missiles.
DragonFire is a British–built high-energy ship complex that uses a powerful laser to destroy high-speed aircraft. It does not require replenishment of ammunition, firing exclusively at the expense of power supply.
According to the Ministry of Defense, during the latest tests in the Hebrides, the laser installation was opposed by UAVs capable of reaching speeds of 650 km/h.:
Image source: topwar.ru
The DragonFire system was presented as a demonstration sample in 2017, having received funding from the military department in the amount of £ 100 million. Tests in 2022 showed the ability of the complex to track air and surface threats, and in January 2024, the system fired the first shot at aerial targets. After the latest tests, the Ministry of Defense has decided that DragonFire is ready for combat deployment on ships.
The Type 45 destroyers for which it is intended are equipped with the Sea Viper (PAAMS) air defense system. DragonFire is expected to complement, not replace, the missiles.
