The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the primary DragonFire laser weapon can be put in on a Royal Navy vessel in 2027, whereas leaving open when and whether or not the system can be expanded to further ships.
The place was set out in a written reply on 4 December to Conservative MP James Cartlidge, the corporate said.
Cartlidge had requested whether or not departmental coverage was to suit DragonFire on 4 vessels in 2027. Defence Minister Luke Pollard replied that “the Ministry of Defence plans to put in the primary DragonFire system on a Royal Navy vessel in 2027” and that additional installations “can be in accordance with the Defence Funding Plan.” The reply confirms the preliminary match however doesn’t commit the division to a wider rollout.
British laser weapon downs drones off coast of Scotland
The UK Defence Journal has beforehand reported that DragonFire destroyed excessive velocity drones throughout current trials on the MOD Hebrides vary, with the division stating that the system achieved above the horizon monitoring, concentrating on and engagement in opposition to targets shifting at as much as 650 kilometres per hour.
The federal government just lately awarded a 316 million pound contract to MBDA UK to ship the primary ship fitted programs from 2027, with the preliminary integration deliberate for a Kind 45 destroyer. Within the trial announcement, Pollard stated “this excessive energy laser will see our Royal Navy at the forefront of innovation in NATO.” Business figures additionally highlighted the programme’s momentum. Chris Allam of MBDA UK stated the newest contract “reaffirms the UK’s intent to be on the forefront of laser directed vitality weapons,” whereas Leonardo and QinetiQ pointed to the accelerating take a look at cycle and the system’s precision.
DragonFire is predicted to be the primary excessive energy laser weapon fielded by a European nation.