UK accelerates development of DragonFire laser, but has problems with Challenger tank
The United Kingdom is stepping up work on the DragonFire laser weapon, planning to equip four Royal Navy destroyers with it as early as 2027. This was announced by the Minister of Defence Procurement Maria Eagle in a written response to Parliament.
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DragonFire successfully destroyed an airborne target for the first time in January 2024, which was a significant step in the development of laser technology for weapons. The system is being developed by a consortium of companies led by MBDA in collaboration with Leonardo UK and Qinetic.
The British government is accelerating the integration of laser weapons into the Navy five years ahead of schedule, which will allow the military to adapt the system to real-world conditions and improve its integration, software and combat capabilities.
The DragonFire laser. Illustration: Міноборони
At the same time, however, the modernisation of the Challenger main battle tank has faced delays due to supply chain issues. Additional resources have been allocated to address these difficulties, and the next phase of testing is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2025.
The upgrade, which is being carried out by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land, includes the installation of a new turret with a 120mm smoothbore gun, improved armour and an active protection system. It is planned that all 138 Challenger 3 tanks will enter service by the end of 2030, and their full use will begin at least in 2027.
In short, the UK government has also announced an increase in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP in 2027. This will add £14.2 billion to the budget for the 2027-2028 financial year. For example, in the March spring statement, it was announced that £400 million would be allocated to the Defence Innovation Fund, which will be used to develop unmanned technologies and artificial intelligence.
Source: Defence News
