Described as a "game changer," the weapon utilizes high-energy lasers capable of neutralizing drones or even missiles, offering a cost-effective alternative to the conventional air defenses currently relied upon by Kyiv
UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has expressed contemplation regarding the potential deployment of prototypes of the “DragonFire” laser weapon to Ukraine prior to its expected inclusion in the UK’s military arsenal by 2027.
Developed under the auspices of the UK government’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) in collaboration with private sector defense firms MBDA, Leonardo, and QinetiQ, the DragonFire Laser Directed Energy Weapons (LDEW) project aims to equip both warships and future armored personnel carriers with cutting-edge defensive capabilities.
The DragonFire system functions by emitting a concentrated beam of energy, invisible to the naked eye, which harnesses 37 channels of 1.5kW laser beams arranged in a hexagonal configuration. These beams are then merged and amplified by mirrors. Notably, the system underwent successful testing in the UK as early as 2022.
While the precise range of the DragonFire remains classified, reports suggest its efficacy in destroying drones and detonating mortars within mere seconds of exposure during trial phases.
DSTL scientists assert that DragonFire represents a significant advancement in military technology, boasting the ability to precisely target objects as small as a £1 coin from distances of approximately one kilometer. Moreover, its operational frequency possesses the capacity to disrupt missile communications and power supplies.
In light of delays incurred during the development process, Defence Secretary Shapps has emphasized the UK's determination to expedite the weapon's deployment, potentially circumventing the initial 2027 timeline. He further indicated the possibility of providing the prototype to Ukraine, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Acknowledging the complexities of the development process, Shapps refrained from offering a definitive timeline for the weapon's potential deployment to Kyiv. However, he asserted the willingness to expedite the process, acknowledging that perfection may not be a prerequisite for immediate utility.
Recent trials conducted by the British Ministry of Defence showcased DragonFire's effectiveness against aerial targets, with each shot estimated to cost around £10 ($12.5). The system's ability to operate at the speed of light suggests potential efficacy against high-speed threats like hypersonic missiles, which traditional defenses may struggle to counter.
Notably, the cost-effectiveness of directed energy weapons like DragonFire presents a notable advantage over conventional air defense systems. For instance, the Patriot missile, relied upon by Ukraine to intercept high-speed Russian missiles, reportedly costs $4 million per shot, as per a US Congressional Research Service report.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has underscored the vulnerability of conventional defenses against low-cost, high-impact threats such as drones. As such, the development of cost-effective defensive measures assumes increased significance in the event of broader hostilities.
However, challenges persist, particularly concerning the range limitations of directed energy weapons and their susceptibility to adverse weather conditions. Fog and storms can significantly impede their effectiveness by causing energy loss, a hurdle that DragonFire's development endeavors to address.
In summary, the potential deployment of the DragonFire laser weapon represents a significant stride in military innovation, offering a cost-effective and technologically advanced solution to contemporary security challenges.
