UK's DragonFire Laser Takes Aim: Accurate Strikes from 1km Away, £10 per Shot

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In a groundbreaking trial in Scotland, the UK has successfully demonstrated its cutting-edge DragonFire laser technology, capable of striking targets at speeds of up to 650km/h. The system, developed by MBDA, QinetiQ, and Leonardo, can hit high-speed drones and other airborne targets with precision, including a £1 coin from a kilometre away, at a cost of just £10 per shot. A recent video showcases DragonFire's impressive capabilities, as it locks onto an incoming drone and delivers a concentrated beam of light, causing the target to disintegrate in mid-air. The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded a £316 million contract to MBDA to deliver the DragonFire systems to the Royal Navy by 2027, which is expected to create and sustain 590 jobs across the UK, including 200 highly skilled positions in Scotland. Commenting on the high-power laser technology, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard stated, "DragonFire will position our Royal Navy at the forefront of innovation in NATO, providing a cutting-edge capability to defend the UK and our allies.