UK's Revolutionary Laser Weapon Poised to Transform the Conflict Landscape Against Putin

A British laser weapon system, poised for deployment on Royal Navy vessels within two years, is anticipated to fundamentally reshape the economic dynamics of defense, according to an expert based in the UK.

Last week, the Ministry of Defence confirmed its intention to expedite the program, with Defence Secretary Grant Shapps even suggesting potential support for Ukrainian forces by deploying the technology to counter Russian drones.

Stuart Dee, a defense expert, highlighted the transformative potential of the DragonFire laser-directed energy weapon (LDEW), albeit cautioning against viewing it as a panacea.

Employing cutting-edge technology, DragonFire can deliver a potent laser over considerable distances with remarkable precision, akin to hitting a small target from a great distance. Mounted on a turret, the system integrates advanced targeting components, including an electro-optical camera and a secondary laser for imaging and tracking.

During a trial at the MOD’s Hebrides Range in January, DragonFire marked a milestone as the UK's first high-power laser weapon to engage aerial targets effectively.

Mr. Dee, a research leader at RAND Europe, noted that the system's deployment timeline had been accelerated by five years, attributed in part to improvements in the procurement process. Despite the expedited schedule, he acknowledged inherent risks in such endeavors.

Placing DragonFire aboard Royal Navy ships as a primary initiative is strategically sound for two reasons. Firstly, naval forces face the frontline threat posed by enemy drones, currently countered with costly missile systems. DragonFire offers a cost-effective alternative, claimed to achieve high accuracy at a fraction of the cost. Secondly, the energy requirements of such systems align with the power capabilities of naval vessels, making integration more feasible.

While future air domain concepts like the UK's Future Combat Air System (FCAS) may benefit from directed energy systems, their immediate application lies in naval and ground-based air defense systems.

Looking ahead, Mr. Dee underscored the potential of directed energy systems to reshape defense economics, potentially shifting the cost dynamics between offense and defense. However, he cautioned against viewing them as a singular solution, emphasizing the need for continued investment in targeting, accuracy, all-weather operability, and long-term sustainability.