The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the first DragonFire laser weapon will be installed on a Royal Navy vessel in 2027, while leaving open when and whether the system will be expanded to additional ships.
The position was set out in a written answer on 4 December to Conservative MP James Cartlidge, the company stated.
Cartlidge had asked whether departmental policy was to fit DragonFire on four vessels in 2027. Defence Minister Luke Pollard replied that “the Ministry of Defence plans to install the first DragonFire system on a Royal Navy vessel in 2027” and that further installations “will be in accordance with the Defence Investment Plan.” The answer confirms the initial fit but does not commit the department to a wider rollout.
The UK Defence Journal has previously reported that DragonFire destroyed high speed drones during recent trials at the MOD Hebrides range, with the department stating that the system achieved above the horizon tracking, targeting and engagement against targets moving at up to 650 kilometres per hour.
The government recently awarded a 316 million pound contract to MBDA UK to deliver the first ship fitted systems from 2027, with the initial integration planned for a Type 45 destroyer. In the trial announcement, Pollard said “this high power laser will see our Royal Navy at the leading edge of innovation in NATO.” Industry figures also highlighted the programme’s momentum. Chris Allam of MBDA UK said the latest contract “reaffirms the UK’s intent to be at the forefront of laser directed energy weapons,” while Leonardo and QinetiQ pointed to the accelerating test cycle and the system’s precision.
DragonFire is expected to be the first high power laser weapon fielded by a European nation.
Surely the appropriate number of ships to arm with Dragonfire is every ship that can take it.
– Both carriers
– All frigates and destroyers
– Any and all amphibious assault ships/landing ships/MRSS
It’s an incredibly expensive system, and will be demanding on power requirements