THE UK’s first test of an “advanced future military laser” has been completed in Scotland.
The UK Government said that the laser technology – which was successfully used against aerial targets at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Hebrides Range – could “boost the UK Armed Forces with greater accuracy while reducing the reliance on high-cost ammunition”.
The DragonFire laser directed energy weapon (LDEW) system achieved the UK’s first high-power firing of a laser weapon against aerial targets at the range.
The Government said that the range the DragonFire weapon can reach is classified, but it is “a line-of-sight weapon and can engage with any visible target”.
They added that the laser weapon “boasts pinpoint accuracy” equivalent to hitting a £1 coin from 1000m.
The UK Government said: “Laser-directed energy weapons can engage targets at the speed of light, and use an intense beam of light to cut through the target, leading to structural failure or more impactful results if the warhead is targeted.
“Firing it for 10 seconds is the cost equivalent of using a regular heater for just an hour. Therefore, it has the potential to be a long-term low-cost alternative to certain tasks missiles currently carry out. The cost of operating the laser is typically less than £10 per shot.”
Global powers are currently engaged in a race to develop laser weaponry strong enough to melt steel.
In August last year, China claimed to have found a way to build a laser weapon that could fire indefinitely. If true, that would give the nation the lead in the technology’s development.
The UK’s DragonFire is led by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), on behalf of the UK MoD, working with its industry partners MBDA, Leonardo and QinetiQ.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “This type of cutting-edge weaponry has the potential to revolutionise the battlespace by reducing the reliance on expensive ammunition, while also lowering the risk of collateral damage.
“Investments with industry partners in advanced technologies like DragonFire are crucial in a highly contested world, helping us maintain the battle-winning edge and keep the nation safe.
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“The latest milestone builds on a series of highly successful trials, including the first static high-power laser firing of a sovereign UK capability and demonstration of the DragonFire system’s ability to track moving air and sea targets with very high accuracy at range.”
DSTL chief executive Dr Paul Hollinshead said: “These trials have seen us take a huge step forward in realising the potential opportunities and understanding the threats posed by directed energy weapons.
“With our decades of knowledge, skills, and operational experience, DSTL’s expertise is critical to helping the armed forces prepare for the future.”
The DragonFire weapon system is the result of a £100 million joint investment by the MoD and industry.
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