Warships to get laser weapons as UK pledges £4 billion defense investment boost

The UK government has announced a £4 billion investment to accelerate the development of advanced defense technologies, including autonomous systems and laser weapons, in a move aimed at modernising its armed forces.

As informed, the funding package includes more than £3 billion for autonomous systems and nearly £1 billion for directed energy weapons (DEW), including the DragonFire high-power laser, which is expected to become the first system of its kind deployed by a European nation. The first installation of DragonFire will be carried out on a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer, and the installation is scheduled for 2027.

The investment follows the release of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which identifies autonomy and energy weapons as priority areas for force transformation. The review calls for rapid integration of uncrewed and autonomous systems into military operations over the next five years and targeted development of DEW to provide cost-effective alternatives to traditional munitions.

The new systems, which include various drone technologies, are intended to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of UK forces and enhance the export potential of the domestic defense sector.

A new Drone Center will also be established to coordinate the development and deployment of small uncrewed aerial systems across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The center is expected to play a key role in applying battlefield lessons from the war in Ukraine, where drones have become a decisive factor in combat.

The government said the DEW initiative will reduce reliance on costly ammunition and enable more sustainable operations. The laser weapons are designed to intercept airborne threats such as drones at high speed while minimizing collateral damage.

“These investments will mean the most significant advance in UK defence technology in decades. We will ensure our Armed Forces have the cutting-edge capabilities they need to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world,” Defense Secretary John Healey said.

“A strong economy needs a strong national defence. That’s why we are delivering the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War—putting innovation and industrial strength at the centre of our national security strategy,” Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said.

“Additional funding for autonomous systems maximises the defence industry’s potential to drive long term economic growth and productivity – helping us deliver our Plan for Change while keeping the UK safe.”

This investment comes alongside other recent defence spending commitments, including plans for up to 12 new attack submarines, procurement of 7,000 long-range weapons, construction of six new munitions factories, £1.5 billion for improving military housing, and over £1 billion for other advanced technologies.