Rayleigh and Wickford MP and former Armed Forces Minister, Mark Francois, has endorsed a new laser system to defend British Forces against potential attacks by hostile drones. The new high-intensity laser, known as “Dragonfire”, was developed by UK technology company, QuinetiQ, who have one of their major facilities at Shoeburyness.
Mark was briefed on the system, which uses laser energy to destroy incoming drones- and which should enter operational service by 2027, by senior QuinetiQ executives, during a recent visit to the Farnborough Air Show.
Speaking about the Dragonfire, Mark said:
“In an increasingly hostile world, this is exactly the sort of high-tech kit we need to keep our Armed Forces safe. I would like to commend QuinetiQ on developing this world-class defensive system, which we hope to export successfully to our allies as well. It’s a fantastic bit of kit."
