What's happened
The UK military successfully tested a high-power laser weapon, DragonFire, capable of targeting drones with precision.
Why it matters
The successful testing of the DragonFire laser weapon represents a significant advancement in military technology, potentially revolutionizing the battlespace by reducing reliance on expensive ammunition and lowering the risk of collateral damage.
What the papers say
The Independent emphasizes the potential of the laser weapon to revolutionize the battlespace, while The Times highlights the weapon's cost-effectiveness and its potential to counter threats from drones. Business Insider UK provides technical details about the weapon and its production.
How we got here
The development and testing of high-power laser weapons have been ongoing, with various countries exploring their use to counter emerging threats such as drones and missiles.
More on these topics
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.
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The Ministry of Defence is the British government department responsible for implementing the defence policy set by Her Majesty's Government and is the headquarters of the British Armed Forces.
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Dragonfire is a British laser directed-energy weapon technology demonstrator. It was first unveiled to the public in 2017 at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) conference in London and is being developed by UK Dragonfire, a consortium