Britain has successfully shot down an air target for the first time using an “advanced future military laser”.
British Ministry of Defense welcomed On Friday, the high-power laser weapon “Dragon Fire” was successfully tested, marking a “milestone”. The hope is that this will increase the military's accuracy when targeting aerial targets such as drones, while reducing the need for ammunition.
The Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) is claimed to be capable of attacking coin-sized precision targets from a kilometer away. The weapon's exact range is confidential, but the ministry said it can engage any target in sight.
The MoD says the average cost of firing a laser is around £10 per shot, meaning the weapon has the potential to be a “long-term, low-cost alternative to certain missions currently performed by missiles. “There is,” he said.
The British Army and Royal Navy are currently considering the weapon system as part of their future air defenses, the ministry said.
Commenting on the achievement, Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said: “This type of cutting-edge weaponry has the potential to revolutionize the battlespace by reducing reliance on expensive munitions and lowering the risk of collateral damage.” commented.
“Investing with industry partners in advanced technologies like DragonFire is critical in a competitive world and helps us maintain a fighting edge and protect our national security.”
The DragonFire system has been developed under a £100m joint investment from the Ministry of Defense and the private sector Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).
Dr Paul Hollinshead, CEO of Dstl, said: “These trials allow us to take a major step forward in recognizing the potential opportunities and understanding the threat posed by directed energy weapons. ” he said.
