Royal Navy to Deploy DragonFire Laser Weapon from 2027

The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded a £316 million contract to MBDA UK to deliver DragonFire laser weapon systems to the Royal Navy from 2027. The system, which destroyed high-speed drones at 650 km/h in trials, will provide a ‘minimum deployable capability’ with installation planned on at least one Type 45 destroyer. The contract follows recent trials of radio-frequency and airborne laser defense systems, and reflects the growing international interest in combat lasers.