Overview

• The UK's Ministry of Defence is speeding up the deployment of the DragonFire laser weapon, initially set for 2027, to address urgent threats from drones and missiles in conflict areas like Ukraine and Gaza.
• Defense Secretary Grant Shapps highlighted the cost-effectiveness of DragonFire, which operates at £10 per shot, compared to traditional missile systems.
• Trials have shown that DragonFire can destroy drones and mortars in under five seconds, with its capabilities potentially extending to faster-moving projectiles like ballistic missiles.
• The UK is considering sending prototypes of DragonFire to Ukraine for early use, despite the system not being fully developed.
• Reforms in UK defense procurement aim to expedite the delivery of new technologies like DragonFire, reflecting a shift towards more rapid and cost-effective defense solutions.