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Written question asked by James Cartlidge (Conservative) on Monday, 23 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 March 2026 (named day). It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Thursday, 26 March 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


HMS Dragon: Lasers

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March to Question 118816 on HMS Dragon: Lasers, when the demonstration and evaluation phase for DragonFire will conclude.

Answer

The DragonFire programme is being delivered through a new approach to procurement aimed at accelerating delivery timescales and providing the Royal Navy with novel capability sooner. This approach focuses on delivering a minimum deployable capability that can be further developed and enhanced over time.

Based on a successful demonstrator trial, DragonFire was selected for acceleration into service, leading to further trials to inform the design and development of a minimum deployable capability. We are on track to install this capability on a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer in 2027. Beyond this, spiral development will allow for progressive improvement of the capability.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
122751
Session
2024-26
Related items
HMS Dragon: Lasers
Wednesday, 18 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Deployment Lasers Weapons HMS Dragon
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk