DragonFire laser shoots down high‑speed drones traveling at 400mph, costs $13 per shot — UK Navy to begin deploying system on destroyers

The UK Ministry of Defence has successfully tested the DragonFire laser system, capable of shooting down high-speed drones traveling at 400mph, with a cost of $13 per shot. A $413 million contract has been signed to deploy the system on Royal Navy destroyers starting in 2027, five years earlier than planned. The system, developed by MBDA, QinetiQ, and Leonardo, achieved a UK first for tracking and intercepting drones. DragonFire is described as a cost-effective alternative to anti-air missiles and will be a key defense capability for the UK and its allies.