MoD tests weapon as a low-cost alternative to missiles

The UK has fired a high-power laser weapon against an aerial target in a trial

The demonstration is expected to pave the way for a low-cost alternative to missiles for shooting down objects, such as drones. According to the Ministry of Defense (MoD), the DragonFire weapon is precise enough to hit a £1 coin from a kilometer away. It described the test, conducted at its Hebrides Range in Scotland, as an incredible milestone toward putting the technology into service. According to Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, the device might minimize the need to depend on over-the-top ammunition, along with decreasing the risk of unwanted or collateral damage. According to the Ministry of Defense, both the Army and the Royal Navy are considering incorporating the technology into their future air defense capabilities. While laser weaponry sounds like a concept right out of science fiction, the US Navy has been known to have previously installed similar systems.

Missiles, but not lasers, were used to bring down drones during the ongoing conflict with Houthis in the Red Sea. The MoD mentioned that firing the DragonFire system for just ten seconds is the economic equivalent of running a regular heater for about an hour, with the cost of using it being less than ten euros per shot. The industry and MoD, in conjunction, made an investment of 100 million euros in the DragonFire weapon system.