The DragonFire is a British laser directed-energy weapon (LDEW) currently in development. It promises to be a low-cost, high-precision alternative to traditional missile systems. Developed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) in collaboration with private industry partners MBDA UK, Leonardo, and QinetiQ. The United Kingdom (UK) aims to equip four ships with the DragonFire by 2027. [source]
The main purpose of DragonFire is to offer an affordable way to counter aerial threats, like drones and missiles. It is an appealing substitute for missiles, which can cost millions of dollars each, due to its low cost. Its accuracy and engagement speed also promise a reduced risk of collateral damage. [source, source]
Images Sourced From: Army Technology
1 History of the Project
The Chief Scientific Advisor’s Research Programme of the British Ministry of Defence (MOD) granted a £30 million (approx. 39,7 million USD), contract in 2027 to showcase the capabilities of LDEWs. Later, a £100 million (approx. 132 million USD) collaborative investment with industry players was made to further the technology. The project has advanced quickly since 2022, despite technological and pandemic-related setbacks. In 2024, trials accomplished a number of milestones, including the first high-power fire against airborne targets. [source, source]
The MOD claims that while the DragonFire’s range is classified, it can engage with any visible target with a precision of hitting a £1 coin (23 mm) from a kilometre away. It also claimed that the firing of the weapon only costs £10 (approx. 13 USD) per shot. [source]
2 Working Principle
DragonFire is a solid-state laser weapon that uses doped glass fiber bundles and a beam-combining mechanism that was designed in Britain. It is said to have a power of between 50 and 100 kW. For target acquisition and beam focussing, it is installed in a turret with an electro-optical camera and a backup laser. [source]
The DragonFire searches, detects, and evaluates possible threats using three apertures on its beam director. Similar to a pair of binoculars, the first apertures scan a large area for dangers. The device then examines the target through a second middle-range aperture to provide further detail after identifying a possible threat. The beam director appears to be a telescope, and the ultimate aperture functions similarly.
The laser source is created by compressing raw electrical power, focusing and stabilizing the powerful beam using hardware and algorithms, and targeting the beam to ensure that all of the energy lands on the target. [source]
2.1 Operational Challenges
A key concern is the physical positioning of devices like the DragonFire, which require a wide firing arc while not impeding existing equipment. Furthermore, LDEWs must be compact enough to fit inside a defined footprint aboard naval warships, demanding the optimization of internal systems while maintaining performance. Furthermore, these systems must be durable and maintainable, able to survive the harsh maritime environment, including shock, vibration, and extreme weather conditions. This includes ensuring that precision optics continue to function effectively in the face of these challenges.
Another key challenge for LDEWs is dealing with atmospheric conditions that can distort and degrade laser beams. To overcome this issue, the DragonFire uses two solutions: raising power output to compensate for adverse conditions and applying advanced engineering techniques to correct beam distortion. The latter requires comprehensive assessments of the target’s reflectance and surface polish in order to optimize beam adjustment in real time. It promises to perform well in this area by achieving high effectiveness without needing excessively high power levels, which can lead to thermal blooming—a phenomenon characterized by the beam heating the air, causing it to diverge prematurely. [source]
3 Energy Weapons in Military Operations
Directed-energy weapons (DEWs) represent a new paradigm in warfare. Instead of typical kinetic munition, these systems use concentrated energy, such as lasers, microwaves, or particle beams, to incapacitate or destroy targets. The advantages include speed and cost-effectiveness. Some DEWs such as lasers, which operate at the speed of light, may engage targets nearly instantly, making them especially effective against fast-moving threats such as drones and missiles. Furthermore, once deployed, DEWs can be significantly cheaper per shot than conventional weapons since they eliminate the requirement for costly ammunition resupply. This cost-effectiveness, combined with precision targeting capabilities, makes DEWs suitable for countering threats. [source, source, source]
3.1 Projects in Other Countries
Several countries around the globe have pursued the development of similar projects like the DragonFire. Examples include:
China
- Silent Hunter: A 30–100 kW laser system deployed on Type 071 amphibious ships for drone defence and light vehicle neutralization. [source]
- Satellite-Targeting Lasers: Ground-based systems designed to disrupt reconnaissance satellites.
Russia
- Peresvet: Anti-satellite laser system with a 200–1,100 km engagement range, focused on sensor disruption. [source]
- Zadira: Tactical battlefield laser used in Ukraine to disable drones, costing less than traditional interceptors.
United States
- Navy’s Laser Weapon System (LWS): Aurelius Systems’ 50 kW laser demonstrated in 2025, targeting drones and small boats. [source]
- Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air defence (DE M-SHORAD) : A 50 kW system integrated into Stryker vehicles for air defence.
India
- Directionally Unrestricted Ray-Gun Array (DURGA II): A 100 kW laser under development for land, sea, and air platforms, aiming to counter hypersonic threats. [source]
Japan
- Hypervelocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP): Combines hypersonic glide vehicles with DEW integration for coastal defence.
4 Conclusion
The DragonFire represents a significant step forward for the UK’s military capabilities, promising a precise and cost-effective means of engaging aerial threats. As the development of DragonFire continues, it is likely to play a key role in asymmetric or grey zone scenarios, particularly where drones and low-cost missiles are prevalent. The widespread development of such systems across the globe highlights the trend of different militaries to prepare for the combat of tomorrow, which will likely entail drone swarms and other low-cost attack vectors.
5 Additional Resources
Detecting Directed Energy Weapons – What You Need to Know: https://www.nsin.us/detecting-directed-energy-weapons/
US Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on DEWs: https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-23-106717.pdf
