UK Royal Navy Invests £316 Million in DragonFire Lasers for Type 45 Destroyers to Enhance Drone Defense
DEFENSE
The UK Royal Navy has announced a £316 million investment to equip its Type 45 destroyers with the DragonFire laser weapon system, enhancing NATO's drone defense capabilities. This initiative marks the introduction of Europe's first high-powered laser defense system, responding to the increasing threat of drones in military conflicts, as evidenced by their significant impact in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and recent incidents involving HMS Diamond. The investment aims to develop effective countermeasures against evolving drone technologies.

Jan 13, 2026, 2:00 PM