The Ministry of Defence have shown declassified footage of their military laser weapon.
It is thought to show a trial at the MOD’s Hebrides Range, in which the so-called DragonFire laser-directed energy weapon (LDEW) system achieved the UK’s first high-power firing of a laser weapon against aerial targets.
The range of DragonFire is classified, but the MOD says it is a line-of-sight weapon and can engage with any visible target.
The MOD said: “DragonFire is an advanced military laser, being developed by Dstl and GB industry.”
“The laser-directed energy weapon engages targets at the speed of light, using an intense beam of energy to cut through objects, leading to structural failure.”
Dstl, the MOD’s science arm, said: “A newly declassified video shows the power of our DragonFire laser in action. This technology is the result of joint working with world-class industry partners.”
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.
In a January statement, the MOD said: “DragonFire exploits UK technology to be able to deliver a high power laser over long ranges. The precision required is equivalent to hitting a £1 coin from a kilometre away.
“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.”
