High-tech UK laser weapon can ‘change the calculus’ in Ukraine and Middle East | World | News [Video]

Declassified MOD footage of the UK’s DragonFire Laser

Britain’s groundbreaking laser weapon system – which is set to be deployed on Royal Navy vessels within two years – has the potential to “significantly alter the economic calculus of defence”, a UK-based expert has predicted.

The Ministry of Defence last week confirmed plans to accelerate the programme, and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps even suggested it could be made available to Ukrainian forces to enable them to shoot down Russian drones sent by President Vladimir Putin.

And Stuart Dee said the system had the potential to be a potential game-changer – while stressing it was “not a silver bullet”.

The DragonFire laser-directed energy weapon (LDEW) utilises revolutionary technology to be able to deliver a high-power laser over long ranges. The precision required is equivalent to hitting a £1 coin from a kilometre away.

The laser and its targeting systems, including an electro-optical camera plus a second lower-power laser for imaging and tracking, are …