Written question asked by James Cartlidge (Conservative) on Friday, 28 March 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 April 2025. It was answered by Maria Eagle (Labour) on Monday, 7 April 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Weapons: Lasers

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.7 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, how the investment in Directed Energy Weapons will be spent.

Answer: The additional funding announced in the Spring Statement is contributing to advanced technology within Defence, including securing the in service date for the DragonFire Laser Directed Energy Weapons (DEW). This investment will continue development of software and overall lethality, integration of the system, and will support the UK industrial base and specialist skills. DragonFire is an example of our commitment to developing UK sovereign capability, and is not the totality of MOD’s investment in DEW. We will wait for the outcomes of the Strategic Defence Review and Spending Review before making further announcements on plans for DEW capability.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 42284
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Spring Statement 2025
Wednesday, 26 March 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Subjects: Finance Lasers Weapons
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk