The Game-Changing £10 Million Laser Weapon: UK’s DragonFire LDEW System
The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense showcased its latest innovation in air defense this week, introducing the DragonFire laser directed energy weapon (LDEW) system. According to the Ministry, this advanced technology is capable of delivering lethal defense against missiles or aircraft at a remarkably affordable cost of approximately £10 million per shot. This promising development could potentially save the military vast sums in comparison to current missile interceptors.
On 26th January 2023, a successful test of the DragonFire system was carried out at a remote firing range in Scotland. The Defense Ministry released a video recording of this demonstration that captured the moment a bright laser beam pierced the night sky, striking its target with remarkable precision and causing it to disintegrate. The Ministry emphasized that DragonFire can accurately hit a target as small as a coin over long ranges, although the exact range of the weapon remains classified.
The laser beam’s destructive capabilities are attributed to its ability to cut through metal and cause structural failure or more extensive damage if a warhead is targeted. The Ministry stated that the cost of firing a 10-second laser burst amounts to approximately £10 million. This stands in stark contrast to the Standard Missile-2, which costs over $2 million per shot for the US Navy, making it a potential long-term low-cost alternative for certain air defense tasks.
The escalating issue of air defense missile costs has become the subject of intense discussion within defense circles due to the emergence of affordable drones and rockets. For instance, in the Ukraine-Russia conflict and attacks on commercial and military ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden by Houthi rebels, low-cost drones have proven effective against more sophisticated air defense systems. Analysts have raised concerns over the sustainability of utilizing expensive missiles against relatively cheap unmanned systems and munitions, which can overwhelm these defenses.
DragonFire could potentially shift the balance in favor of the UK and its allies by offering cutting-edge weaponry that reduces reliance on expensive ammunition. In his January blog post, James Black, assistant director for defense and security at RAND Europe, highlighted the significance of this technological advancement. He explained that DragonFire could revolutionize the battlespace and help counteract the economic advantage of low-cost unmanned systems.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that lasers like DragonFire are still unproven on the battlefield and come with limitations. Iain Boyd, director of the Center for National Security Initiatives at the University of Colorado, addressed some concerns in a recent article. He pointed out that Rain, fog, and smoke can scatter laser beams and diminish their effectiveness, lasers release a considerable amount of heat requiring large cooling systems, mobile lasers require battery recharges, and they must remain locked on targets for up to 10 seconds to burn holes in them.
Despite these challenges, UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps expressed confidence in the potential of DragonFire following its successful test in January. He emphasized that this type of advanced weaponry has the capacity to transform the battlespace and reduce dependence on costly ammunition. However, it is crucial to recognize that lasers like DragonFire must undergo further testing and development before being deployed on the battlefield.
In conclusion, the UK’s DragonFire LDEW system represents a promising advancement in air defense capabilities, offering potential cost savings and improved performance. However, it is essential to address the challenges associated with this technology and continue research and development before deploying it on the battlefield.
