UK’s DRAGONFIRE Set to Ignite Groundbreaking High Energy Laser Trials by Defence Ministry
The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) is in the final stages of finalizing a £30M contract with UK DRAGONFIRE, a British industrial consortium led by MBDA, to execute the Laser Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) Capability Demonstrator.
Through the Laser Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) Capability Demonstrator, UK DRAGONFIRE is set to make a remarkable advancement in the UK’s capacity regarding High Energy Laser Weapon Systems, laying the groundwork for a technology-enhanced operational edge. This initiative aims to refine essential technologies for a high-energy defensive laser armament, which will involve targeting representative samples in both land and maritime settings in 2019. Additionally, the program will generate valuable insights for forthcoming procurement choices.
UK DRAGONFIRE is a cooperative consortium spearheaded by MBDA in partnership with QinetiQ and Leonardo-Finmeccanica. It consolidates premier expertise from the UK industry to tackle this demanding and intricate initiative. The team also leverages the individual strengths of member organizations including GKN, Arke, BAE Systems, and Marshall ADG.
The proposal from UK DRAGONFIRE builds on substantial investments made by the MoD and the defense industry in critical areas such as laser coherent beam combining, weapon systems command and control, advanced pointing mechanisms, and high-capacity storage solutions.
In response to the announcement, Dave Armstrong, Executive Group Director Technical and UK Managing Director of MBDA, stated, “Under MBDA’s leadership, UK DRAGONFIRE will position the UK at the vanguard of high-energy laser technologies, drawing on the experience gained from MoD/Industry collaboration in the complex weapons landscape. It also propels the UK toward a future product that holds substantial export prospects and opens avenues for cooperation with allied forces possessing analogous needs.”
Steve Wadey, QinetiQ Chief Executive Officer, remarked, “This initiative exemplifies the collaboration of enterprises pooling capabilities to offer the MoD the optimal solution. QinetiQ will supply the high-powered laser technology utilized in the tests, along with conducting the trials at one of the ranges we operate for the MoD as part of the Long Term Partnering Agreement. This presents an opportunity for us to introduce innovative technology while employing our testing and evaluation skills to guarantee a successful demonstration.”
Norman Bone, Managing Director of Leonardo Air and Space Systems, expressed, “We are delighted to contribute to a robust UK team capable of addressing this challenging program. Leonardo will provide the electro-optic beam director and will be involved in trials and evaluations. This demonstrator will be at the forefront of technological research in the UK and aligns with our ambition to develop next-generation laser systems.”
