High-energy laser weapon with AI fire control for autonomous drone and missile intercept. Capable of engaging targets at the speed of light with precision beam director.
DragonFire achieved a milestone in UK defense by demonstrating that a domestically developed high-energy laser could successfully intercept aerial targets at militarily significant ranges in 2024. The system's per-shot cost of approximately a few dollars for electricity compares favorably with the cost of interceptor missiles used against drone swarms in recent conflicts. Royal Navy integration plans envision DragonFire as a primary counter-drone weapon for surface combatants in the 2027 to 2030 timeframe.
Successful live fire tests 2024; Royal Navy integration planned; UK Ministry of Defence program
DragonFire involves MBDA (joint venture of BAE Systems BA.L, Airbus AIR.PA, Leonardo LDO.MI) and QinetiQ (QQ.L). BAE Systems and MBDA partners have the largest financial stake in the program's success.