UK accelerates deployment of laser 'death ray' amid Russian threats

NEW DELHI: In response to the increasing threat posed by Russian missiles and drones, UK military chiefs are fast-tracking the deployment of a new laser weapon system known as ‘DragonFire’ onto Royal Navy warships. This initiative reflects a broader push by the UK to enhance its defensive capabilities with cutting-edge technology.

The ‘DragonFire’ system, which represents Britain’s first foray into laser weaponry, is designed to burn holes through incoming enemy ordnance, such as drones and missiles. The urgency of this deployment has been sparked by Russia’s effective use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Ukraine, highlighting the need for advanced defensive solutions. The system is currently undergoing testing and is expected to be operational on Royal Navy ships by 2027, significantly ahead of the initial schedule, a Daily Mail report said.

The DragonFire system can target and destroy aerial threats at a temperature of 3,000 degrees Celsius and is capable of neutralizing an object the size of a £1 coin from a distance of 0.6 miles (1 km). This capability is not only technically impressive but also cost-effective. According to UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, each use of the laser costs approximately £10, making it far cheaper than traditional missile defense systems. This cost efficiency is crucial, especially considering the financial constraints of modern military operations, the Daily Mail report said.

During his visit to the Porton Down military research hub in Wiltshire, Shapps highlighted the strategic and economic advantages of the new technology. “We are developing these weapons at a speed and to a level that other countries are unlikely to be replicating,” Shapps stated. He emphasized that the UK’s advancements in directed energy weapons could significantly alter the dynamics of current conflicts, including those in Europe and the Red Sea.

The integration of such advanced systems is part of the UK’s broader strategy to maintain a technological edge in a rapidly evolving global security landscape. By deploying these laser and radio frequency weapons, the UK not only bolsters its own defense capabilities but also positions itself as a leader in military technology innovation.

As the global community watches the developments in military technology with keen interest, the UK’s move to accelerate the deployment of its laser ‘death ray’ underscores the shifting paradigms of warfare and defense strategy in the 21st century.

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