The UK's DragonFire laser programme, led by MBDA, and partnered by Leonardo UK and QinetiQ, is being accelerated following the UK Ministry of Defense's decision to install the weapon system on Royal Navy ships.
Following the decision, announced by Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, the DragonFire laser weapon system will rapidly transition from a demonstration program to an operational capability for the Royal Navy. The next steps in that development will include further launches, as well as the production and installation of weapons systems on Royal Navy platforms.
The DragonFire program is considered an emblematic example of the new integrated government procurement model, designed to reform defense procurement and accelerate the delivery of military capabilities.
The DragonFire program combines the best of the UK's industrial base. It leverages MBDA's decades of weapons system manufacturing expertise, Leonardo's position as a world leader in laser technology, electro-optics and advanced targeting, and QinetiQ's experience as the only British company to have successfully developed and safely used high energy laser sources in the UK, as well as coherent beam combining technology.
This announcement follows a series of highly successful test firings that demonstrated the performance of the DragonFire laser weapon system.
The DragonFire weapons system was developed through a £100 million joint investment by industry and the UK Ministry of Defence, with DSTL. The decision by the UK Ministry of Defense to progress the program ensures that the companies involved can maintain and grow the critical technological capabilities, knowledge and jobs that contribute to the UK economy. DragonFire's future exportability to Britain's allies will further support these benefits.
Chris Allam, Managing Director of MBDA UK, said: “MBDA is proud to lead this laser weapons programme, which will give the UK Armed Forces a game-changing operational advantage in their protection and defense and that of the country's strategic assets.”.
Mark Stead, SVP of Radar and Advanced Targeting at Leonardo UK, said: “Leonardo welcomes the commitment to British science and engineering represented by today's announcement. The development of DragonFire brings vital security expertise and capabilities to the UK, keeping them available to support our Armed Forces and develop world-class export-ready products.”
Steve Wadey, Group CEO, QinetiQ, said: “Today's announcement represents positive support for industry and the UK Government working together to provide equipment to the front lines. Our team of scientists and engineers, who developed this world-leading capability, have played a unique role in developing a technology that will provide real operational advantage.”.
