The United Kingdom is exploring the possibility of supplying Ukraine with a prototype of the cutting-edge DragonFire laser weapon system to counteract drone and missile threats, according to British Defense Minister Grant Shapps in a report by The Daily Telegraph on April 12.
Shapps expressed a desire to fast-track the deployment of these high-tech weapons aboard naval vessels and on land, aiming to shorten the timeline significantly compared to current projections. The UK’s defense strategy includes integrating DragonFire into its military arsenal by 2027, but efforts are underway to determine if earlier deployment to Ukraine is feasible, even with prototypes that may not be fully finalized.
“I’m absolutely sure that what we have here is very special, and a level that other countries are unlikely to be able to replicate because it’s so advanced,” Shapps said. “The product itself is really innovative.”
Inside DragonFire
DragonFire, a laser weapon capable of neutralizing drones and missiles, operates invisibly and silently. Its light wavelength, roughly one micron, eludes human vision and aligns closely with the infrared light spectrum.
With the ability to travel at light speed and an undisclosed range, DragonFire can instantaneously heat a metal surface to 3000C (5400F), creating plasma and penetrating aircraft fuselages and weapon casings within seconds.
The weapon’s development was influenced by recent conflicts in Israel and Ukraine, highlighting drones as a pivotal element of contemporary warfare. The UK Ministry of Defense notes DragonFire’s capacity to intercept objects surpassing the speed of ballistic missiles.
A standout feature of laser weaponry is cost-efficiency, with each discharge estimated at merely $12. The British Navy is slated to be the initial recipient of the DragonFire system, followed by ground-based deployments.
Sounds like a good deterrent to the orcs drones and missiles, but is it really necessary to announce to the whole world about sending them to Ukraine?
The analogy that comes to mind is that of a new cancer drug. When the media announce that a very promising one has been developed, but the testing stage may take years.
Often some lucky patients are able to get a dose, provided they sign a disclaimer.
And putlerism, putler and putlerstan is one gigantic cancer; a poisonous, puss-filled carbuncle on the world and on humanity.
Therefore Grant: get this kit out there right NOW.
It could also presumably be used to fry tanks and fry fucking orcs.
I read about this new technology in the DT last year and wondered then if it could be given to Ukraine.
It could be the equalizer that Ukraine needs.
Extirpate 2000 orcs-day and the occupation will be untenable.
That’s an great simile, Scradge, Kudos! Exactly, Putin’s like a cancer. It takes cutting edge (sic!) technology to stop the degeneration from spreading. Laser tech for the win! 😎
And the mulling continues forever…
What’s there to mull over? Send the stuff to Ukraine ASAP and have real-life testing done by world-class experts.
It appears they have to announce their plans for Russian approval.
Oh, not the Brits, Foccusser, I don’t think so. Contrary to the Groupies of Putin, the Tories are still patriots who won’t put Putin’s interests over those of their own country. Remember, it was the UK who fought back against Nazy Germany right from the start, despite setbacks (“very well, alone!”), while the US couldn’t make their mind up for over two years.
https://www.theguardian.com/pictures/image/0,8543,-10904410005,00.html
My gripe is about announcing anything the orcs can get hold off. Imagine their surprise as drones and missiles are falling out of the sky, and they have no idea how it happened.