DragonFire Directed Energy Weapon (Image source: UK Ministry of Defence)
The Royal Navy is revving its engines to deploy the revolutionary DragonFire laser weapon system on its warships by 2027, a significant acceleration from the initial 2032 schedule.
This move, announced by the British government last Friday, April 12, underscores the urgency to counter the growing menace of drone and missile attacks, particularly in volatile regions like the Red Sea.
Responding to a Growing Threat
The announcement comes amidst heightened concerns about the proliferation of aerial threats.
The recent deployment of HMS Diamond and HMS Richmond in Operation Prosperity Guardian highlighted this vulnerability.
While the destroyers successfully employed Sea Viper and Sea Ceptor missile systems against Houthi rebel drones and missiles, the Royal Navy acknowledges the need for a multifaceted defense strategy.
“Noting the quantity and varied sophistication of air and missile threats seen in the Southern Red Sea,” Captain Matt Ryder, Head of Above Water Battlespace in the Royal Navy’s Develop Directorate, explained how this alone can make a compelling case for laser weapons.
Ryder added that the DragonFire offers a crucial “additional layer of defense,” with the potential for “much lower cost per shot” and the elimination of constraints imposed by limited onboard missile storage.
🔥🔥🔥 DragonFire – the UK's first military laser.
The Royal Navy is revving its engines to deploy the revolutionary DragonFire laser weapon system on its warships by 2027, a significant acceleration from the initial 2032 schedule.
This move, announced by the British government last Friday, April 12, underscores the urgency to counter the growing menace of drone and missile attacks, particularly in volatile regions like the Red Sea.
Responding to a Growing Threat
The announcement comes amidst heightened concerns about the proliferation of aerial threats.
The recent deployment of HMS Diamond and HMS Richmond in Operation Prosperity Guardian highlighted this vulnerability.
While the destroyers successfully employed Sea Viper and Sea Ceptor missile systems against Houthi rebel drones and missiles, the Royal Navy acknowledges the need for a multifaceted defense strategy.
“Noting the quantity and varied sophistication of air and missile threats seen in the Southern Red Sea,” Captain Matt Ryder, Head of Above Water Battlespace in the Royal Navy’s Develop Directorate, explained how this alone can make a compelling case for laser weapons.
Ryder added that the DragonFire offers a crucial “additional layer of defense,” with the potential for “much lower cost per shot” and the elimination of constraints imposed by limited onboard missile storage.
Developed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) alongside industry partners MBDA, Leonardo, and QinetiQ, DragonFire is a directed-energy weapon that can neutralize aerial targets at the speed of light.
Its most attractive feature is its economic advantage.
Each high-powered laser burst fired by DragonFire costs less than £10 ($12), a fraction of the expense associated with launching interceptor missiles.
Graphic rendering of a DragonFire mounted aboard a Royal Navy warship. (Image source: UK Ministry of Defence)
UK at the Forefront of Military Innovation
This faster deployment timeline underscores the UK’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of military technology.
Following a series of successful trials, including low-power tests in 2022, a full-capacity live-fire demonstration in Porton Down, and most recently, the UK’s first high-power laser engagement of aerial targets in Scotland this January, DragonFire is poised for real-world deployment.
“DragonFire exemplifies the UK’s position at the cutting edge of military technology,” declared British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps. “We are committed to getting this system into the hands of our service members as swiftly as possible to ensure they have the tools they need to confront emerging threats.”
A Multifaceted Defense Approach
It’s important to note that the Royal Navy doesn’t view DragonFire as a replacement for existing missile systems.
The tried-and-tested Sea Viper and Sea Ceptor will continue to be a vital part of the Royal Navy’s air defense arsenal.
The combined strength of these conventional missiles and the new laser technology will provide a robust and adaptable shield against a constantly evolving threat landscape.
DragonFire laser weapon (Image source: UK Ministry of Defence)
A Turning Point in Royal Navy Defense
The expedited deployment of DragonFire signifies a turning point in the Royal Navy’s approach to air defense.
This innovative laser weapon system, coupled with dependable missile systems, promises to equip the Royal Navy to effectively counter modern aerial threats and safeguard its operations around the globe.
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