The United Kingdom launches a military challenge with a drone-downing weapon costing around $13 per shot: it will be available in 2027

The UK Ministry of Defense announced that the high-power DragonFire laser has brought down drones traveling at up to 650 km/h (about 404 miles per hour) during trials at a firing range in Scotland. The government has now signed a $400 million deal with MBDA UK to complete development of the laser weapon.

Laser defense in the UK

According to the Ministry, DragonFire has achieved something unprecedented, shooting down fast-moving drones with individual blasts costing roughly $13 each, and demonstrating the ability to hit a coin from one kilometer away (0.62 miles).

The system is being developed jointly by MBDA, QinetiQ and Leonardo, and – under an acquisition agreement brought forward by five years – is set to be installed on a Type 45 destroyer. Current Darling-class vessels carry Sea Viper missiles, deck guns and the Phalanx air-defense system. And while the Sea Viper has already proven its effectiveness, each launch costs around one million pounds.

“This high-power laser will place our Royal Navy at the forefront of NATO innovation, providing a cutting-edge capability to help defend the United Kingdom and our allies in this new era of threats,” said Luke Pollard, the Defense Readiness and Industry Minister.

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