UK’s new laser weapon ‘DragonFire’ seen for first time ever in newly declassified video

A newly declassified video shows the cutting-edge DragonFire laser weapon in action.

The UK-made laser provides Armed Forces with a new way to engage with any visible target. Watch below:

I know what you're thinking: "A waste of taxpayer money."

But not only is the DragonFire about to 'revolutionise the battlespace', it's able to give off high powered shots for around £10 per hit.

10 seconds of firing is the cost equivalent of using a regular heater for an hour.

In a cost-of-living crisis that might sound quite high, but what's really impressive is the precision of the laser.

The DragonFire has the equivalent capabilities of hitting a £1 coin from over a kilometre away.

GOV.UK

And the number one feature is that the DragonFire laser directed energy weapon (LDEW) is the UK's first high-power firing of a laser weapon that can be used against aerial targets.

Paired with the accuracy and low costs, it means the Army and Royal Navy are considering using this technology as part of their defence capabilities.

The DragonFire can track moving air and sea targets with very high accuracy at an unclassified range.

Defence Secretary, Grant Shapp 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."

Chief Executive of Dstl (Defense science and Technology Labratory) Dr Paul Hollinshead added: "These trials have seen us take a huge step forward in realising the potential opportunities and understanding the threats posed by directed energy weapons.

GOV.UK

"With our decades of knowledge, skills, and operational experience, Dstl’s expertise is critical to helping the armed forces prepare for the future."

Dr Nick Joad, DST also thought: "This is a really innovative application of science and engineering and is the fruit of sustained investment and effort.

"DragonFire uses cutting-edge science and technology and delivers much greater performance than other systems of a similar class.

"DragonFire provides a step-change in our ability to deal with high-performance and low-cost threats."

Shimon Fhima, Director Strategic Programmes for the Ministry of Defence, explained: "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."