UK advances DragonFire laser weapon deployment to 2027 on Type 45 destroyers to counter drones and reduce missile use in naval air defence

The DragonFire will provide Type 45 destroyers with a 50 kW-class laser capable of engaging drone threats at very low cost per shot, about £10, adding a short-range interception layer that reduces reliance on Aster missile stocks and enables repeated engagements without ammunition constraints. (Picture source: Leonardo)