MBDA UK has secured a £316m ($412m) contract to provide the Royal Navy with DragonFire laser weapon systems from 2027.
The contract follows recent successful trials in which the laser system targeted and destroyed high-speed drones.
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The trial was conducted at the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Hebrides range, where DragonFire achieved a first for the UK by tracking and shooting down drones travelling at speeds up to 650km per hour and demonstrating above-the-horizon engagement.
The UK government plans to install DragonFire on a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer by 2027, five years earlier than previously scheduled.
In addition to its military applications, the project is expected to support up to 590 jobs across several regions in the UK, including 200 in Scotland, 185 in Southwest England, and 75 in East England.
DragonFire is part of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review and is set to become the first high-power laser system from a European nation to enter service.
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By GlobalDataUK Defence Readiness and Industry Minister Luke Pollard said: “This high-power laser will see our Royal Navy at the leading edge of innovation in NATO, delivering a cutting-edge capability to help defend the UK and our allies in this new era of threat.
“We are delivering on our Strategic Defence Review by backing British industry and creating hundreds more jobs, making defence an engine for growth across the UK.”
The UK DragonFire programme, led by MBDA, with partners Leonardo UK and QinetiQ, is designed to deliver short-range air defence and close-in protection for naval vessels.
The system can identify, track, and deter threats by dazzling sensors, as well as damage or destroy incoming objects depending on operational requirements.
In July 2025, it was revealed that DragonFire conducted more than 300 shots, reportedly destroying 30 drone targets and performing high-power operations in rainy conditions, with tests aimed at enhancing its targeting and tracking capabilities.
According to MoD, the laser system operates at a cost of approximately £10 per shot and is capable of striking a £1 coin from a distance of 1km.
The UK defence ministry pledged to invest £5bn ($6.75bn) towards uncrewed autonomous systems and laser weapon systems in June.
