The UK Navy has ordered DragonFire laser systems for its Type 45 destroyers after the system successfully shot down a drone traveling at 650 km/h during tests.
The British government announced that MBDA has been awarded a £316 million contract to supply the Royal Navy with the new DragonFire systems.
The system uses an intense beam of infrared light directed at a target, guided by advanced sensors and tracking systems that provide real-time lock-on and accuracy.
The contract is part of a broader effort to equip ships with new technology to counter potential drone threats.
The cost of a single shot from the laser system is estimated at around £10, significantly cheaper than traditional missiles, which can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds.
According to the British government, the system recently intercepted high-speed drones during additional tests.
MBDA UK will develop DragonFire in partnership with British company QinetiQ and Italian firm Leonardo.
The DragonFire laser is scheduled to be installed on the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers by 2027, five years earlier than initially planned.
Discussions about deploying a land-based version of DragonFire have been ongoing since 2024, when the system successfully intercepted a drone from a ground platform.
Development of the laser system began in 2018 with participation from leading UK companies, including MBDA UK, Leonardo UK, and QinetiQ Group.
The first practical tests of the system, with a power output of over 50 kW, were conducted in January 2024, demonstrating its ability to destroy air targets.
After additional tests in April 2024, the UK Ministry of Defense indicated plans to supply the DragonFire system to Ukraine to enhance its air defense capabilities.
