The Ministry of Defence have fired a high-powered laser weapon in what’s a ‘UK first’.
The DragonFire laser-directed vitality weapon (LDEW) system has hit an aerial goal for the primary time in secret trials by the Ministry of Defence, within the Hebrides. It is so correct that it could actually hit objects as small as a £1 coin from a half a mile away because it strikes sooner than the velocity of sunshine.
The Army and the Royal Navy are contemplating utilizing the weaponry as a part of future Air Defence missions. The laser’s intense beam can reduce by means of targets, corresponding to drones, in its line of sight. And it’s reportedly cheap to make use of as every shot prices round £10.
READ MORE: NATO braced for all-out warfare with Russia, safety chief reveals in chilling warning
Read all the newest UK information and headlines by clicking right here
DragonFire has the potential to be a long-term, lower-cost various to sure duties carried out by missiles. The general value is a £100million collaboration between the Government’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).
(Image: MINISTRY OF DEFENCE)
Grant Shapps, Defence Secretary, mentioned: “This type of cutting-edge weaponry has the potential to revolutionise the battlespace by reducing the reliance on expensive ammunition, while also lowering the risk of collateral damage. Investments with industry partners in advanced technologies like DragonFire are crucial in a highly contested world, helping us maintain the battle-winning edge and keep the nation safe.”
(Image: MINISTRY OF DEFENCE)
Dr Paul Hollinshead, Dstl’s chief government, mentioned: “These trials have seen us take a huge step forward in realising the potential opportunities and understanding the threats posed by directed energy weapons.”
Shimon Fhima, Director Strategic Programmes for the MOD mentioned: “The DragonFire trials at the Hebrides demonstrated that our world-leading technology can track and engage high-end effects at range. In a world of evolving threats we know that our focus must be on getting capability to the warfighter and we will look to accelerate this next phase of activity.”
It just isn’t identified when DragonFire may enter service however UK defence is continuous to spend money on these game-changing applied sciences.
For the newest breaking information and tales from throughout the globe from the Daily Star, join our e-newsletter by clicking right here.