Ukraine Seeks UK's Experimental Laser Weapon Amid Rising Threats

As Ukraine faces increased drone and missile attacks, officials call for the deployment of the UK's cost-effective DragonFire laser system, still in development.

Ukrainian officials are urging the UK to send its experimental DragonFire laser weapon to Ukraine to bolster air defense against Russian drone and missile attacks.
The DragonFire laser weapon, showcased by the UK Ministry of Defence, can precisely hit targets and is seen as a cost-effective alternative to expensive air defense missiles.
Despite its potential, the DragonFire system is still in the research and development phase, with no current plans for deployment in Ukraine.
The weapon's cost-effectiveness is highlighted, with a 10-second laser burst costing about the same as an hour of household heating, contrasting sharply with the high cost of traditional air defense missiles.
The UK is not alone in developing laser weapons, with the US, China, and Israel also working on similar technologies, though challenges such as effectiveness in adverse weather conditions and energy requirements remain.