QinetiQ reports it has been awarded a UKP67 million contract to ensure the delivery of the UK’s first laser directed energy weapons to the Royal Navy from 2027.
Following further successful trials of the UK’s DragonFire laser weapon in November last year, which took place at the QinetiQ-operated MOD Hebrides range, Defence Minister Luke Pollard announced a UKP316 million contract, awarded to DragonFire industry partnership prime MBDA, for the production and delivery of the first DragonFire units, says a QinetiQ press release. These will be integrated on to Royal Navy ships from 2027 as an extension of existing air defence capabilities.
As a DragonFire industry partner, QinetiQ was awarded UKP67 million by MBDA, enabling QinetiQ to continue its unique role in developing and producing the vital laser source of the DragonFire system. The contract also leverages QinetiQ’s expertise in ensuring the safe testing of this critical military capability of the future.
The DragonFire contract supports approximately 120 QinetiQ jobs, predominantly in the west and south of England, and more than 100 UK suppliers, 50 of which are small and medium sized companies.
For more information
https://www.qinetiq.com/en/news/qinetiq-delivering-laser-weapons-to-royal-navy-platforms
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