UK laser weapon that can kill a coin a kilometer away set to equip destroyers 

The UK Ministry of Defence has announced successful trials of the DragonFire laser weapon system, which has shot down high-speed drones flying at speeds up to 650 km/h. The system, developed by MBDA in partnership with QinetiQ and Leonardo, combines a 50-kilowatt-class laser, a high-precision beam director, and advanced command-and-control technology. Notably, the trials included the UK’s first above-the-horizon tracking and engagement of drones, demonstrating the weapon’s precision and stability at long range. The DragonFire laser can accurately target an object as small as a £1 coin from a kilometer away and costs about £10 per shot, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional missile defenses. The UK government has awarded a £316 million contract to equip Royal Navy Type 45 destroyers with the DragonFire system starting in 2027, accelerating deployment by five years. This investment supports nearly 600 jobs across the UK and aligns with the government’s broader strategy to boost