In recent years, defense companies have been making significant investments to accelerate the development of cost-effective technologies designed to neutralize drones. Notably, Boeing unveiled its laser weapon system in 2023, showcasing its capabilities against a damaged drone.
As inexpensive small drones proliferate, they have emerged as difficult threats on the battlefield, prompting nations to seek economically viable countermeasures. According to the Financial Times, defense companies such as the U.S.’s RTX, Europe’s MBDA, and the UK’s QinetiQ are pouring substantial resources into creating low-cost, high-power laser weapons that can penetrate metal and disable electronic devices. The UK Ministry of Defence’s DragonFire program has already achieved some progress.
Earlier this year, the UK and the US found themselves forced to use multimillion-dollar missiles to shoot down drones launched by the Houthi movement in the Red Sea, highlighting the issue of “cost asymmetry.”
James Black, a defense researcher with Rand Europe, noted, “Using missiles worth over a million dollars to intercept drones valued at just $100 or $1,000 is not a sustainable approach from an economic standpoint.”
The U.S. Army’s successful use of high-power lasers to destroy drones in the Middle East has been seen as a significant milestone. Countries such as the UK, France, Russia, China, and South Korea are all actively developing high-power directed-energy weapons.
The Financial Times reported that the UK Ministry of Defence’s DragonFire laser weapon is set to be deployed on naval vessels in 2027, ahead of its original schedule by five years. DragonFire can engage aerial targets at a cost of about £10 per shot, with a precision level that allows it to hit a one-pound coin from a kilometer away.
The DragonFire project is a collaborative effort involving a team of 150 engineers and scientists from MBDA, QinetiQ, and Leonardo. The prototype boasts a power output of 50 kW, though its range remains confidential. However, its operational use could be limited due to the necessity of a stable platform, adequate power supply, and favorable weather conditions. Additionally, the construction costs associated with laser systems can be high, mitigating potential savings.
