MBDA, the primary contractor for the Royal Navy’s DragonFire laser weapon system, has made a significant advancement in defense technology by awarding a £67 million ($78 million) contract to industry partner QinetiQ. This contract aims to enhance the laser source for the DragonFire system, building on the weapon’s successful trials conducted in November 2025, during which it effectively engaged fast-moving drone targets at the MOD Hebrides range in Scotland. This marked a pioneering milestone as it represented the UK’s first above-the-horizon laser engagement.
The DragonFire laser weapon is expected to be integrated onto Royal Navy warships, primarily Type 45 destroyers, with deployment anticipated to begin in 2027. This strategic move is designed to bolster the Navy’s air defense capabilities amid evolving security threats.
Steve Wadey, Group CEO of QinetiQ, emphasized the significance of the contract, stating it underscores the company’s proficiency in advancing novel and disruptive technologies rapidly. Wadey noted that this collaboration is an important step forward as the industry works in partnership with the government to expedite the adoption of laser-directed energy weapons.
Originally unveiled as a prototype in 2017, DragonFire is designed to track and neutralize high-speed, low-cost threats, boasting a notably low cost-per-shot of merely £10 ($13). The system has undergone a series of successful trials beginning in July 2022, culminating in a substantial contract worth £316 million ($425 million) secured by MBDA to deliver and integrate these advanced systems into the Royal Navy.
The consortium led by MBDA includes QinetiQ, responsible for developing and refining the high-energy laser source, alongside Leonardo, which contributes sensor, tracking, and precision targeting capabilities. Initial projections suggested a fielding date in the mid-2030s; however, the UK Defense Ministry has expedited the timeline to target a 2027 deployment, responding to the urgent need for enhanced defense solutions in light of fast-evolving threats.
