2024-01-20 18:47:43
Friday January 19, in the evening, the British Ministry of Defense was pleased that the “dragonfire” had successfully completed its first test firing. This laser weapon is praised for its extreme precision once morest aerial targets. Currently under development, it is presented as the weapon that might counter drone attacks.
A ray of fire that pierces the dark night. Friday January 19 in the evening, the British Ministry of Defense and several arms companies involved in the project were delighted with the success of the first aerial firing of the “dragon fire”by broadcasting a photo of this “directed energy laser weapon”developed for several years by these actors.
“We have achieved a UK first with the high-power firing of a laser weapon once morest aerial targets”congratulated the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory, the research sector of the British Ministry of Defense.
Hit “any visible target”
During this test, carried out on the Hebrides Islands, west of Scotland, the extreme precision of this weapon and its ability to hit targets at a great distance were highlighted. The test firing would have targeted several drones coming from several directions and located several kilometers away, while the authorities of many countries are trying to protect themselves from drone attacks.
According to the British Ministry of Defense, the laser has precision “equivalent to striking a pound coin a mile away”. The laser’s range is classified, but the weapon might attack “to any visible target”. Thanks to this precision, the laser might reduce “the risk of collateral damage”, underlined the British Secretary of State for Defense, Grant Shapps.
British Defense also praises the low cost of this new weapon. If its development required an investment of 100 million pounds sterling, or around 110 million euros, the laser would cost little in the long term. “Turning on the ‘dragonfire’ for 10 seconds is equivalent to the cost of using a regular heater for just one hour,” details the Ministry of Defense, which estimates that a shot would cost less than 10 pounds sterling (approximately 11 euros). In comparison, the unit cost of a missile can reach 200,000 dollars (approximately 180,000 euros).
-
Read also
Israel-Hamas war: how does the “Iron Bean” laser anti-missile system work?
This high-power weapon is nevertheless limited by several factors and in particular by weather conditions. While its development is underway, the weapon might be operational from 2029. If current ships are not expected to be equipped with such lasers, frigates under construction might be equipped with them. “The Army and the Royal Navy plan to use this technology as part of their future air defense capabilities.”explains the Ministry of Defense.
The British army is not the only one interested in this technology. In the United States, a program is continuing and several tests were carried out last year. Israel plans to deploy its laser weapon during 2024 and in France, a laser might also be operational within a few months. This weapon is presented as a means of defending the ships of the French Navy.
A.Lo.
1705776844
#VIDEO #dragonfire #British #laser #weapon #counter #drone #attacks
