Britain’s DragonFire laser weapon has achieved a major defense milestone after successfully shooting down high-speed drones traveling up to 650 km/h during tests at the MOD Hebrides range, according to Alexander Brown and Gavin Quinn of The Daily Express. The system delivers pinpoint accuracy—capable of striking a £1 coin from a kilometer away—while costing only £10 per shot. Following the breakthrough, MBDA secured a £316 million contract to supply DragonFire systems to the Royal Navy beginning in 2027, accelerating deployment on a Type 45 destroyer by five years. As Europe’s first high-powered laser weapon under the UK’s Strategic Defence Review, DragonFire strengthens NATO’s directed-energy capabilities and will support 590 jobs across the UK, including major hubs in Scotland, Southwest England, and East England. UK officials say the program boosts national security while driving economic growth and reinforcing Britain’s leadership in defense innovation. They write:

Britain’s revolutionary DragonFire laser has successfully destroyed high-speed drones in a massive win for the nation’s defense capabilities.

During recent testing at the MOD’s Hebrides range, the laser obliterated drones capable of reaching speeds up to 650km/h – double the maximum velocity of a Formula 1 racing car. The futuristic laser system costs merely £10 per shot and boasts pinpoint accuracy that can strike a £1 coin from a kilometer distance. […]

“DragonFire is the latest in an impressive line of defense dividend wins for Scotland. The UK Government is transforming our defense sector into an even more powerful engine for growth because when we back our service personnel and Scottish industry, we keep ourselves and our allies secure while delivering skilled jobs and growth for communities and workers.”

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