DragonFire Laser Directed-Energy Weapon (MDC)

Agency

UK Ministry of Defence / Royal Navy

Award ID

Undisclosed

Ceiling value

£316M

Vehicle

Direct award — Type 45 destroyer integration

Awarded

2025-11-20

Period of performance ends

Undisclosed

• CompanyMBDAEuropean missile systems group (JV of Airbus, BAE Systems, Leonardo); provides the booster, launcher and canister for Bliksem EXO via MBDA Deutschland.

• CompanyLeonardoItalian aerospace, defense, and security multinational.

No linked records yet.

What is the DragonFire Laser Directed-Energy Weapon (MDC) contract?

A 29-month contract to deliver a DragonFire Minimum Deployable Capability giving Royal Navy Type 45 destroyers an extra layer of defence against drones and other airborne threats, following trials at the Hebrides range that downed drones flying at up to 650 km/h. DragonFire will be the first high-power laser weapon fielded by any European nation; the programme sustains or creates nearly 600 UK jobs, with Leonardo UK building the turret-mounted beam-director and QinetiQ developing the 50kW laser source. Four Type 45s are slated for DragonFire fits, with government commitment to two further ship fits beyond this contract.

Which agency awarded the DragonFire Laser Directed-Energy Weapon (MDC) contract?

The DragonFire Laser Directed-Energy Weapon (MDC) contract was awarded by UK Ministry of Defence / Royal Navy under a Direct award — Type 45 destroyer integration vehicle.

How much is the DragonFire Laser Directed-Energy Weapon (MDC) contract worth?

The DragonFire Laser Directed-Energy Weapon (MDC) contract has a value of £316M, awarded on 2025-11-20.