NEW declassified footage of Britain’s most advanced laser gun in action has been released by the Ministry of Defence.
The footage shows the formidable weapon, aptly dubbed DragonFire, being fired against aerial targets in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides.
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The true range of DragonFire’s laser directed energy weapon (LDEW) system is currently classified, but we know that it can fire at targets that are at least two miles away.
The video demonstrates the laser’s impressive ability to lock onto its target and destroy it with a powerful beam fired into the sky.
The MOD added that the UK’s first high-power firing laser weapon can engage with any visible target.
The MOD said: “DragonFire is an advanced military laser, being developed by Dstl and GB industry.
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“The laser-directed energy weapon engages targets at the speed of light, using an intense beam of energy to cut through objects, leading to structural failure.”
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) added that the futuristic weapon costs just a tenner per shot to fire – meaning millions of pounds could be saved in future conflicts.
DSTL said: “Firing it for 10 seconds is the cost equivalent of using a regular heater for just an hour and therefore it has the potential to be a long-term low-cost alternative to certain tasks missiles currently carry out.
“The cost of operating the laser is typically less than £10 per shot.”
Although it is running five years behind schedule and has cost over £140 million to develop, military top brass hope it could replace multi-million pound missiles currently being used in the Red Sea.
On the new footage, DSTL said: “A newly declassified video shows the power of our DragonFire laser in action. This technology is the result of joint working with world-class industry partners.”
The MOD has said that DragonFire has demonstrated what is possible for the UK military and its technological development.
The focus is now turning to a greater understanding of how to use the technology, not just trying to develop it further.
Military officials hope to understand how DragonFire, and future LDEWs can be used safely and effectively.
The creators of the weapon initially struggled to produce a super-hot laser without burning the gun that fired it.
There were also concerns that the laser had an unlimited range, so could hit aircraft, satellite or space debris when it was fired – although this no longer seems to be the case.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps branded the new laser as “cutting-edge” and said weapons like it will help “revolutionise the battlespace”.
Shapps also praised its ability to lower the risk of collateral damage.
He 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.”
The laser cannon was tested for the first time in November 2022 – as it blasted a drone from over two miles away.
The most recent test, in January, means plans for the laser in combat can be accelerated to use against rising threats around the globe.
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It comes as Putin’s army chief claimed that the fighting in Ukraine could spill over into Europe and ignite a terrifying global conflict.
The senior military official labelled the risk of such a drastic escalation as “significantly increasing” day-by-day as Russia struggles to fight off a new “hybrid warfare” from Ukraine and their worldwide allies.
Putin’s crony even dragged the US into the scarily possible conflict claiming they were deploying anti-Russian policies to continue to show support for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, security experts told The Sun that the Israel-Hamas conflict means an attack on UK soil is “absolutely possible”.
Former US General Ben Hodges and security expert Professor Anthony Glees spoke to The Sun about how the West needs to steel itself for the bloodshed that may be coming from the Middle East.
General Hodges said: “The UK is in a pre war environment. That means war is coming.”
While Professor Glees concurred, warning that the possibility of attacks on British soil has definitely increased.
He said: “I think we are in a very difficult position because the whole of our defence and defending our values has been built around our nuclear deterrent.
“And, you know, it’s good that we have it. However, the nuclear deterrent deters from nuclear attack. It doesn’t deter from conventional attack. It doesn’t deter from terrorism.”
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