The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers will be fitted with the DragonFire laser weapon system, starting from 2027. This marks a significant step in the UK’s push to enhance its naval capabilities with directed energy weapons.
In response to parliamentary questions from James Cartlidge MP, the MoD revealed that four Type 45 ships will receive the DragonFire system, a state-of-the-art laser developed by a UK consortium including MBDA, Leonardo, and QinetiQ. This confirmation comes after the weapon system was first announced in the 2025 Spring Statement.
Type 45: The Ideal Platform for Directed Energy
The Type 45 destroyer has long been regarded as an ideal candidate for the integration of advanced technologies like directed energy weapons. Its advanced sensors and spacious topside architecture make it a suitable platform for trialling and deploying such systems, which are capable of engaging fast-moving aerial threats, including drones.
Minister of State for Defence, Maria Eagle, explained:
“DragonFire Laser Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) will be fitted to four Royal Navy ships starting from 2027. Type 45 destroyers are being explored as the most suitable platform.”
DragonFire: A Game-Changer for Defence
The DragonFire laser system has already been demonstrated to effectively strike and destroy aerial targets with precision. This low-cost-per-shot weapon is ideal for defeating drones and other fast-moving threats without the need for costly missile intercepts.
This marks a crucial development in the UK’s defence strategy as the Navy looks to enhance its anti-drone capabilities and defence against emerging aerial threats.
Accelerating Military Innovation
The announcement of the DragonFire system is part of a broader push to accelerate the deployment of novel technologies within the Armed Forces. The MoD has committed to ensuring that these advanced systems are brought into service more quickly than ever before, with further details expected in the Strategic Defence Review and Spending Review later this year.
Eagle also stated:
“Defence remains committed to bringing novel capabilities to our Armed Forces faster than before, and our Defence Reform efforts will help set us up to deliver this.”
The integration of directed energy weapons like DragonFire reflects growing global military interest in alternatives to conventional missile defence, particularly as drone technology becomes a more prominent threat.
Next Steps for the Royal Navy
The decision to equip four Type 45 destroyers with the DragonFire system comes as part of the UK’s ongoing efforts to modernise its naval fleet. The integration of directed energy weapons is expected to improve the Navy’s operational flexibility and reduce the costs of intercepting threats in real-time.
With the system set to be fully operational by 2027, the Type 45 destroyers will be at the forefront of this next-generation capability, adding another layer of defence to the UK’s military strategy.
