UK fire high power aerial laser for first time

The Ministry of Defence has said the laser "boasts pinpoint accuracy" and can cause "structural damage or more impactful results if the warhead is targeted". Friday 19 January 2024 13:46, UK DragonFire laser. Pic: MOD Image: The DragonFire laser burns through an aerial target. Pic: MOD Why you can trust Sky News The UK military has carried out its first high-power firing of a laser against aerial targets - with the weapon using an "intense beam of light" to cut through drones. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said latest trial of the DragonFire system, which typically costs less than £10 a shot, marks a "major step in bringing this technology into service". Sponsored link Most Android Users Didn't Know How To Block Ads (Do It Now!) Most Android Users Didn't Know How To Block Ads (Do It Now!) Blocking ads is a quick way to speed up browsing, lower data usage and save battery on your Android! expertsonsecurity.com DragonFire is a "line of sight weapon" that can "engage with any visible target" at the speed of light, the MoD has said. The ministry added that the weapon "boasts pinpoint accuracy" and uses an "intense beam of light to cut through the target, leading to structural failure or more impactful results if the warhead is targeted". The laser has been fired at aerial targets for the first time during a trial at the MoD's Hebrides Range in northwest Scotland. DragonFire was able to destroy incoming drones from several positions miles away, The Times has reported. It is hoped the weapon could reduce the UK Armed Forces' reliance on high-cost ammunition, with the cost of firing the laser for 10 seconds equivalent to using a regular heater for an hour. MORE FROM UK Police outside the house in Costessey near Norwich All four family members found dead in Norfolk house had injuries, police say Newborn baby found in east London Police and Community Support Officers at the junction of the Greenway and High Street South in Newham, east London, where a newborn baby was found in a shopping bag by a dog walker. The girl, who police say is well and not injured, was discovered wrapped in a towel and inside the bag on Thursday evening. Picture date: Friday January 19, 2024. Read less Picture by: Yui Mok/PA Wire/PA Images Date taken: 19-Jan-2024 Newborn baby found in shopping bag 'was less than an hour old' Prince Harry at London's High Court in March 2023 Prince Harry withdraws libel claim against Mail on Sunday publisher Both the Army and Royal Navy are considering using this technology as part of their future air defence capabilities. The MoD recently announced its intention to fund a multi-million pound programme to transition the technology from the research environment to the battlefield. Advertisement Read more: 'Risk to UK' from spending blackhole at MoD Defence cuts will affect UK's ability to fight from the air - MPs warn The equipment was trialled at the MoD's Hebrides Range. Pic: MoD Image: The equipment was trialled at the MoD's Hebrides Range. Pic: MoD 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." Shimon Fhima, director of strategic programmes at the MoD, said: "The DragonFire trials at the Hebrides demonstrated that our world-leading technology can track and engage high-end effects at range. In a world of evolving threats, we know that our focus must be on getting capability to the warfighter and we will look to accelerate this next phase of activity." The development of DragonFire is being led by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), on behalf of the MoD, working with its industry partners MBDA, Leonardo and QinetiQ. The weapon system is the result of a £100m joint investment by the MoD and its industry partners. Sponsored Links