Key Takeaways

  • The UK has awarded a £316 million contract to MBDA UK for the DragonFire laser weapon system.
  • DragonFire will become the UK’s first operational high-power laser weapon.
  • The system destroyed high-speed drones at speeds of up to 650 km/h in recent trials.
MBDA UK Royal Navy

Strategic Implications

This contract may indicate the Royal Navy’s growing interest in directed-energy capabilities for air defense. The economics of air defense are becoming a critical driver for such systems, with DragonFire offering a potentially cost-effective alternative to traditional missiles.