On Friday, January 19, in the evening, the British Ministry of Defense was pleased that “Dragonfire” successfully completed its first test firing.
This laser weapon is noted for its extreme accuracy against aerial targets.
Under development, it is touted as a weapon capable of countering drone attacks.
A ray of fire that pierces the dark night. On the evening of Friday 19 January, the British Ministry of Defense and several arms companies involved in the project were delighted with the success of the first aerial firing. “Dragonfire”By transmitting a photo of this “Directed Energy Laser Weapon”Developed by these actors over many years.
“We have achieved the first UK with high-power firing of a laser weapon against air targets”Congratulations to the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory, a research arm of the British Ministry of Defence.
Hit “any visible target”.
During this test, conducted on the Hebrides Islands, west of Scotland, the weapon’s extreme precision and its ability to hit targets at great distances were highlighted. The test firing would have targeted drones coming from multiple directions and several kilometers away, while authorities in many countries are trying to protect themselves from drone attacks.
According to the British Ministry of Defence, lasers have accuracy “Like hitting a pound coin a mile away”. The range of the laser is classified, but the weapon can attack “For any visible target”. Thanks to this precision, the laser can reduce “Risk of Collateral Damage”, Underlined the British Secretary of State for Defence, Grant Shaps.
British Defense also praised the low cost of this new weapon. If its development required an investment of 100 million pounds sterling, or about 110 million euros, the laser would cost less in the long run. “Turning on the ‘Dragonfire’ for 10 seconds is equivalent to the cost of using a regular heater for just one hour,” Details the Ministry of Defence, which estimates that one shot will cost less than 10 pounds sterling (about 11 euros). In comparison, the unit cost of a missile can reach 200,000 dollars (approximately 180,000 euros).
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This high-powered weapon is however limited by many factors and especially weather conditions. While its development continues, the weapon could be operational from 2029. If current ships are not expected to be equipped with such lasers, frigates under construction may be equipped with them. “Army and Royal Navy They plan to use this technology as part of their future air defense capabilities.”Ministry of Defense explains.
The British Army is not the only one interested in this technology. In the United States, a program is underway and several tests were conducted last year. Israel plans to deploy its laser weapon during 2024, and in France, lasers could also be operational within a few months. This weapon is introduced as a means of protecting the ships of the French Navy.
