UK: Britain has successfully tested its Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW), Dragonfire, firing at aerial targets for the first time. The trial, conducted at the Ministry of Defence’s Hebrides Range, aimed to showcase the weapon’s power and accuracy.
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Addressing Modern Threats:
Recent global events highlight the need for laser weapons on the modern battlefield. While missiles are effective against aerial threats, the finite stockpile and high costs pose challenges, making lasers a compelling alternative.
UK – Advantages of Laser Weapons:
Lasers offer advantages such as the speed of light travel, long-range capability, simultaneous engagement of multiple targets, and precision at a significantly lower cost per round.
Classified Dragonfire Details:
Dragonfire is a solid-state laser weapon in the 50-kW range, utilizing doped glass fiber bundles and a classified British-designed beam-combining system. Mounted in a turret, it features an electro-optical camera and a secondary laser for target acquisition and beam focusing.
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UK – Track Record and Precision:
While Dragonfire’s range remains classified, it has demonstrated its ability to track and counter aerial threats. The weapon boasts precision, capable of hitting a £1 coin at a kilometer, with a cost per shot of about £10 (US$13).
Cost-Effective Development:
Developed at a cost of £100 million (US$127 million) by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) for the Ministry of Defence, Dragonfire offers a cost-effective solution with potential applications for the British Army and Royal Navy.
UK – Revolutionizing Battle-Space:
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps emphasizes Dragonfire’s potential to revolutionize the battle-space by reducing reliance on expensive ammunition and minimizing collateral damage.
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Strategic Investment:
Investments in advanced technologies like Dragonfire are crucial to maintaining a battle-winning edge and ensuring national security in today’s highly contested world. The successful test marks a significant step forward in modernizing the UK’s defense capabilities.
