British Military Fights Drones With Powerful New Laser
The British military has made history by successfully testing a high-power laser weapon designed to destroy drones. The system, called DragonFire, could revolutionize combat by offering a cheap, precise, and fast way to neutralize airborne threats.
Laser Warfare Goes Live
Developed by the UK’s Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), the DragonFire laser was tested in Scotland’s Hebrides Range. Unlike missiles or bullets, this weapon uses a concentrated beam of light to burn through drones mid-flight.
Key benefits include:
✔ Ultra-low cost – Just £10 per shot vs. expensive missiles
✔ Lightning-fast strikes – Hits targets at the speed of light
✔ Pinpoint accuracy – Can disable drones without collateral damage
Why Drones Are a Major Military Threat
Drones have become a top security risk—used for spying, attacks, and smuggling. In conflicts like Ukraine, cheap commercial drones are being weaponized, forcing armies to find new defenses.
The UK’s laser tech could be the answer. DragonFire isn’t just for small drones—it can scale up to target missiles and aircraft too.
How the DragonFire Laser Works
The system locks onto a drone and fires an intense beam, overheating critical parts until the drone fails. Advanced tracking keeps the beam locked on fast-moving targets.
Advantages over traditional weapons:
– No ammunition needed
– Nearly instant response time
– Reduced risk of civilian harm
Global Race for Laser Weapons
The UK isn’t alone—the US, China, and Russia are all developing laser arms. The US Navy already uses ship-based lasers, while China tests anti-satellite lasers.
Britain’s successful test puts it at the forefront of this tech race. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps called DragonFire a “game-changer for modern warfare.”
Challenges Before Deployment
Lasers still face hurdles:
☁ Weather issues – Rain or fog can weaken the beam
⚡ High power needs – Requires strong energy sources
But engineers expect solutions by the late 2020s, when the UK plans to field operational laser defenses.
The Future of Warfare?
DragonFire proves laser weapons are no longer sci-fi. As drones dominate battlefields, lasers may become the ultimate defense—fast, precise, and cost-effective.
For now, the UK is leading the charge into the next era of military tech.
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