Dragonfire illuminates the way forward for UK laser weapons
The Dragonfire laser-directed energy weapon (LDEW) combines a high-powered emitter with advanced beam-pointing to physically damage targets. (Photo: Dstl/Crown Copyright)
With its Dragonfire high-energy laser programme the UK is part of a growing club of nations focused on taking directed energy weapons from science fiction to operations.
The UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has hosted the UK’s first high-powered, long-range laser-directed energy weapon (LDEW) trial at Porton Down, putting the Dragonfire system through its paces against a range of targets.
Like the mythical creatures it shares its name with, the Dragonfire LDEW defeats its targets by essentially burning into them.
The trials at Porton Down demonstrated the ability of Dragonfire to deliver high levels of laser power with sufficient accuracy to engage several targets at differing ranges.
Speaking to Shephard, Dstl’s technical partner Ben Maddison said Dragonfire had successfully defeated threats such as UAVs
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia]()
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
-
![Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft]()
Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft
US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
-
![OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”]()
OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”
Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.
