Moment Britain’s £140m LASER weapon dubbed ‘DragonFire’ blows a drone out of the sky in incredible footage released

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NEWLY declassified images of Britain’s most advanced laser rifle in action have been released by the Ministry of Defence.

The images show the formidable weapon, aptly named Dragonfirefired at air targets ScotlandThe Outer Hebrides.

The Department of Defense has released declassified images of its military laserCredit: MOD

The video shows DragonFire being fired at aerial targets in ScotlandCredit: MOD

The DragonFire weapon is designed to shoot down dronesCredit: SWNS

Scene from the released video showing an operator shooting the targetCredit: MOD

The laser was developed to shoot down missiles, aircraft and dronesCredit: SWNS

DragonFire’s real reach laser The directed energy weapon system (LDEW) is currently classified, but we know it can fire on targets at least two miles away.

The video demonstrates the laser’s impressive ability to hone in on its target and destroy it with a powerful beam fired into the air.

The MOD added that the Britain‘s first powerful laser weapon can attack any visible target.

The MOD said: “DragonFire is an advanced military laser developed by Dstl and GB Industry.

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“The laser-focused energy weapon targets targets at the speed of light, using an intense beam of energy to cut through objects, leading to structural failure.”

The Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) added the futuristic weapon only costs ten euros per shot – meaning millions of pounds could be saved in future conflicts.

DSTL said: “Firing for 10 seconds is the equivalent of using a regular heater for just an hour and therefore has the potential to be a long-term, low-cost alternative to certain tasks that missiles currently perform.

“The cost of using the laser is typically less than £10 per shot.”

Although it is five years behind schedule and cost more than £140 million to develop, army Chief executives hope it can replace the multi-million pound rockets currently used in the US Red Sea.

Commenting on the new footage, DSTL said: “A recently released video shows the power of our DragonFire laser in action. This technology is the result of a joint collaboration with world-class industrial partners.”

Britain has tested DragonFire, the first powerful long-range laser weapon, at Porton Down

The Ministry of Defense has said DragonFire has demonstrated what is possible for the British military and its technological development.

The focus is now shifting to better understanding how to use the technology, and not just developing it further.

Military officials hope to understand how DragonFire and future LDEWs can be used safely and effectively.

The weapon’s makers initially struggled to produce a super-hot laser without burning the weapon it was fired from.

There were also concerns that the laser had an unlimited range and could therefore hit aircraft, satellites or space debris when fired – although this no longer appears to be the case.

Minister of Defence Grant Shapps labeled the new laser as “cutting-edge” and said such weapons will help “revolutionize the battlespace.”

Shapps also praised its ability to reduce the risk of collateral damage.

He said: “These types of advanced weapons have the potential to revolutionize the battlespace by reducing reliance on expensive ammunition, while also reducing the risk of collateral damage.

“Investments with industry partners in cutting-edge technologies like DragonFire are crucial in a highly contested world, as they help us maintain the winning edge and keep the nation safe.”

The the laser cannon was tested for the first time in November 2022 – while firing a drone from more than two miles away.

The most recent test, in January, means that plans to counter the laser in combat can be accelerated increasing threats around the world.

MoD photo showed the beam shooting into the airCredit: SWNS

It comes as Putin’s army chief claimed the fighting took place in Ukraine could overflow Europe and ignite a terrifying global conflict.

The senior military official described the risk of such a drastic escalation as “significantly increasing” day by day. Russia struggles to combat a new ‘hybrid warfare’ Ukraine and their global allies.

Putin‘s buddy even dragged the US into the eerily possible conflict, claiming they were pursuing anti-Russian policies to continue showing support for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, security experts told The Sun that the Israel-Hamas conflict means an attack on British soil is “absolutely possible”.

Former US general Ben Hodges and security expert Professor Anthony Glees spoke to The Sun about it how the West must arm itself against the bloodshed which may come from the Middle East.

General Hodges said: “Britain is in a pre-war environment. That means war is coming.”

While Professor Glees agreed and warned that the possibility of attacks on British soil has certainly increased.

He said: “I think we are in a very difficult position because our entire defense and defense of our values is built around our nuclear deterrent.

“And you know, it’s good that we have it. However, the nuclear deterrent deters a nuclear attack. It does not deter conventional attacks. It does not deter terrorism.”