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UK Industry Team Miniaturizes DragonFire Laser for Type 45 Destroyer

June 24, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

UK industry partners miniaturize DragonFire laser for Type 45 destroyer.
Estimated cost per shot is less than £10 ($13).
System aims to intercept Class 1 and Class 2 drones.
Installation on Type 45 ship remains on track for 2027.

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Strategic Implications

The development of the DragonFire laser system may indicate a shift in the UK's naval defense strategy, with a focus on cost-effective and precise targeting capabilities. The miniaturization of the laser could suggest a potential for increased deployment on various naval platforms, which may influence the adoption of similar technologies by other NATO nations.

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What Happened

British Partners Collaborate On High Energy Laser Technology

A UK industry team, comprising QinetiQ, MBDA, and Leonardo, is working to miniaturize the DragonFire high energy laser system, set to be equipped on a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer next year. The system, estimated to cost less than £10 ($13) per shot, aims to intercept Class 1 and Class 2 drones and provide the UK with more precise targeting capabilities. According to industry representatives, the target of installing DragonFire on a Type 45 ship before the end of 2027 remains on track, with the UK poised to become the first European NATO nation to deploy novel laser-directed energy technology operationally. This development was first reported by Breaking Defense.

Source | Originally Published: June 24, 2026

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