The UK Royal Navy is nearing the deployment of new laser weapons to its ships by 2027.
This is being done to replace costly missiles for defending against drones, small boats, and projectiles. Each shot costs roughly £10 per shot compared to arguably hundreds of thousands in missile ammo.
The UK government confirmed the accelerated rollout in March 2026. The initial phase will equip at least two destroyers, with more to follow in early deployments, international media reported this week.
The new laser weapon allows ships to engage targets continuously as long as onboard power lasts. Unlike missiles, the laser offers an “infinite magazine,” but requires a lot of electricity.
Whenever completed, the UK military ships will gain a new, non-kinetic layer of defense that reduces reliance on finite missile inventories.
Defense experts on X posted that this system strengthens layered defenses and provides a cost-effective solution for high-volume threats.
