The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) announced on Friday that it plans to equip its warships with laser technology capable of shooting down drones by 2027, accelerating the deployment by five years from the previously projected 2032.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to hasten the integration of new technologies into the military.
The MOD emphasized the cost-effectiveness of the new laser systems, named DragonFire.
Each shot from these lasers is estimated to cost approximately 10 pounds ($12.52), offering a highly accurate method of targeting, with precision likened to hitting a pound coin from a kilometer away (about 0.62 miles).
DragonFire lasers operate by emitting a powerful beam of light that can slice through targets, presenting a sustainable and economical option for countering drone threats.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps elaborated on the strategic shift in military procurement given the increasing global security challenges.
“In a more dangerous world, our approach to procurement is shifting with it … our widespread reforms will deliver the latest kit and weaponry for our Armed Forces faster,” Shapps stated.
He also highlighted the significance of the technology in enhancing the UK’s defense capabilities: “DragonFire shows the best of the UK at the forefront of military technology, and we will not delay in getting it in the hands of our military to face down the threats we’re facing.”
This development comes in response to the evolving landscape of modern warfare, where drones are frequently employed as a low-cost method for attacking high-value military assets.
The cost disparity between deploying drones and the assets they target has led to increased reliance on drones in combat scenarios.
Currently, Britain uses Sea Viper missiles, each costing at least 1 million pounds ($1.26 million), to neutralize Houthi drones in the Red Sea, highlighting the expensive nature of traditional defense methods against cheaper drone attacks.
The MOD’s move to deploy DragonFire lasers is a strategic response to these challenges, aiming to provide a more efficient and economically viable defense mechanism against the growing threat of drones in military conflicts.