In response to a question from James Cartlidge, MP for South Suffolk, regarding the UK’s efforts to increase sovereign capabilities in directed energy weaponry, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has outlined its commitment to advancing this cutting-edge technology.
Maria Eagle, Minister of State for Defence, confirmed the government’s plans to accelerate investment in UK Sovereign Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) technology, with a clear focus on delivering new capabilities to the Armed Forces.
Eagle stated, “The Ministry of Defence has committed to accelerating the continued investment in UK Sovereign Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) technology, to provide cutting edge capability to the Armed Forces swiftly.”
She explained that the MOD is currently working on delivering capability demonstrators and accelerated Minimum Deployable Capabilities, including the DragonFire project, which is expected to bring Laser DEW into operational capability by 2027.
The MOD is also preparing to integrate Directed Energy Weapon capabilities into core service during the 2030s.
Eagle noted that since 2018, the UK has been investing in its Directed Energy Weapons Programme, “focused on stimulating UK industry through delivering a capability that prioritises a UK sovereign approach.”
This focus on UK-led technological development in the DEW field reflects the MOD’s commitment to equipping the Armed Forces with state-of-the-art defensive and offensive capabilities, while fostering growth within the domestic defence industry.
