Watch: UK’s DragonFire Laser Shoots Down High-Speed Drone In Stunning Test Video

Last Updated:November 27, 2025, 13:35 IST

A new test video shows the UK’s DragonFire laser weapon destroying a high-speed drone, marking a major step in Britain’s defence technology.

UK Fast-Tracks DragonFire Laser Weapon After Successful Drone Tests

The United Kingdom has accelerated the deployment of its DragonFire laser weapon system after a series of successful trials in Scotland demonstrated its ability to destroy fast-moving aerial threats. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the system brought down drones travelling at around 650 kmph during live-fire tests held at the Hebrides range.

What is DragonFire laser?

DragonFire is the UK’s next-generation high-energy laser weapon designed to shoot down drones, missiles and other airborne targets using a concentrated beam of light instead of traditional ammunition.

The system is being developed jointly by MBDA UK, Leonardo, QinetiQ and the Ministry of Defence as part of a major push into directed-energy weapons.

With over 100 companies in the supply chain, DragonFire’s economic impact stretches across the entire UK.Every laser component, every circuit board, every piece of specialist equipment designed, built, and assembled in Britain.This is defence working as an engine for growth. pic.twitter.com/ZsNwDp3M8Q— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) November 20, 2025

Footage from the recent test shows the laser turret locking onto an incoming drone before firing a narrow beam of light. Within seconds, the target begins to smoke, lose control and fall from the sky. Defence officials say this demonstration is one of the most advanced examples of laser weapon capability in Europe.

Following the trials, the UK government signed a £316 million contract with MBDA UK to install DragonFire on Royal Navy ships from 2027. This is five years ahead of the original plan. The first operational installation will be on a Type 45 destroyer, followed by the new Type 26 frigates. The system costs only about $13 per shot, making it significantly cheaper than missile-based interception.

Newly released footage of the UK’s Dragonfire laser weapon system engaging drones at a test range. The Royal Navy confirmed today that it aims to start deploying lasers on its ships within two years. pic.twitter.com/TxjThCM0oV— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) November 21, 2025

How DragonFire works

DragonFire uses a turret-mounted system that rotates to track and target threats across a wide field of view. It currently operates at 50 kW power, though officials say the system can be scaled up in future.

Its precision comes from Coherent Beam Combining (CBC), a technique that merges several low-power laser beams into one stronger and highly accurate beam. According to the Ministry of Defence, it can destroy drones at distances of nearly five kilometres.

Officials say the laser offers greater accuracy and reduces dependence on expensive ammunition. It engages threats at the speed of light and uses its intense beam to cut through drones or warheads, causing rapid and severe damage.

Laser weapons have been discussed for decades, but practical deployment has been slow because of cost, power requirements and engineering challenges. Increasing drone and missile threats, including attacks in the Red Sea, have now pushed many nations to speed up development.

Countries such as Germany, China, Israel, Ukraine and Russia have already tested or deployed similar systems. The United States is also investing heavily, though widespread deployment has not yet begun.

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Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public…Read More

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public…

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