Britain accelerates development of the DragonFire combat laser, which could also be transferred to Ukraine
Kyiv • UNN
The United Kingdom has intensified work on the DragonFire combat laser system for Type 45 destroyers. In 2024, it was reported that a prototype could be transferred to Ukraine for combat testing.
The United Kingdom has intensified work on the DragonFire combat laser system, which is planned to be integrated onto Type 45 destroyers by the end of 2027. If the schedule is met, the country could become the first in Europe to deploy a high-power combat laser on a ship, reports Defense Express, writes UNN.
Details
Companies QinetiQ, MBDA, and Leonardo are working on improving the system. One of the main tasks for developers is to reduce the size of the complex, as well as to develop its maintenance throughout the entire life cycle.
According to the publication, DragonFire has a power of 55 kW and forms a laser beam from 37 separate channels of 1.5 kW each. The main competitor to the British development is the German shipboard laser from Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany for Sachsen-class frigates, but its deployment is expected no earlier than 2029.
Defense Express also recalled that in 2024, there were reports about the possible transfer of a DragonFire prototype to Ukraine for combat testing. At the same time, there is currently no official confirmation of the supply or use of this system.