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Warships: Lasers

Asked by James CartlidgeConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 7 April 2025UIN 42294

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which class of Royal Navy ships will operate a directed energy weapon.

Answered by Maria Eagle

Our DragonFire Laser Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) will be fitted to four Royal Navy ships starting from 2027. Type 45 destroyers are being explored as the most suitable platform. The Ministry of Defence is maturing plans for future DEW capabilities alongside DragonFire delivery and in conjunction with the Royal Navy will ensure that the most suitable Royal Navy ships are selected.

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