"DragonFire Laser: UK's Game-Changing Drone-Buster"

The UK's DragonFire laser, developed by a team led by missile-maker MBDA, successfully destroyed an aerial target in a high-power test shot, marking a significant milestone in the deployment of directed-energy weapons. The cost-effective laser, with an operating cost of less than £10 per shot, aims to address the use of expensive air defense missiles against cheap but effective drones in conflicts. The Ministry of Defence plans to accelerate the program and potentially deploy the technology within the next 5 to 10 years, with the British Army and Royal Navy expressing interest in its use for air defense.