Shapps: UK's Defence industry must be 'more resilient'

       Grant Shapps has boasted about a new laser at Britain's disposal which can take down enemy drones and could revolutionise the battlefield in future conflicts.

       The Defence Secretary posted an image of the new DragonFire laser weapon in action this morning and exclusively told Express.co.uk that the innovation is the first of many.

       He said: "This type of cutting-edge weaponry has the potential to revolutionise the battlespace by reducing the reliance on expendable ammunition, whilst also lessening the risk of collateral damage.

       “Investments with industry partners in advanced technologies like DragonFire are crucial in a highly contested world, maintaining the battle-winning edge and keeping the nation safe.”

       The new weapon can be fitted on to the Royal Navy's warships as well as being used by the Army.

       Stay up-to-date with the latest Politics news Join us on WhatsApp Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

       READ MORE: The real reason Sunak put his 'Swiss Army knife' minister in charge of the MoD

       Meet the UK’s first laser weapon: DragonFire

       UK military scientists have for the first time shot down drones by using the laser to cut through incoming targets at the speed of light.

       Capable of being fitted to future warships, it will be a vital British weapon as the threat of… pic.twitter.com/LEOZ8CrMJz

       — Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) January 20, 2024

       Posting the spectacular image, Mr Shapps said: "Meet the UK’s first laser weapon: DragonFire.

       "UK military scientists have for the first time shot down drones by using the laser to cut through incoming targets at the speed of light. Capable of being fitted to future warships, it will be a vital British weapon as the threat of drone warfare grows.

       "DragonFire is just one of the potentially revolutionary capabilities we’re investing in to gain an advantage against our enemies."

       The senior minister was putting countries like Russia and China on notice, particularly after British weapons devastated Putin's tanks as they tried to overwhelm ukraine in 2022.

       It was meant as a reminder that even with reduced numbers in the amred forces and a recruitment crisis, the UK can still punch above its weight in military capability.

       Don't miss...

       British Armed Forces shame exposed as millions paid out to settle sexual assa... [REACT]

       NATO warns WW3 with Russia looms in next 20 years [REVEAL]

       UK Statistics Authority warns Home Office over misleading claims [INSIGHT]

       Become an Express Premium member Support fearless journalism Read The Daily Express online, advert free Get super-fast page loading

       Start 30-day

       FREE trial

       Jeremy Hunt will be making announcements on defence spending in his Budget (Image: Getty)

       The message may also have been aimed at Chancellor Jeremy Hunt as he prepares his Budget for early March.

       DON'T MISS

       Powered by

       Grant Shapps praises 'heroic' UK military after daring Houthi air raids

       21 Comments

       Royal Marines in crisis as manpower and recruitment shortage threaten future of force

       157 Comments

       Royal Navy smashes Iran-backed rebels' 'worst-ever' Red Sea attack with sea viper missiles

       775 Comments

       'Get a grip!' - Top American general's brutal warning to UK army 'not what it used to be'

       145 Comments

       The insane amount of money UK spends when Royal Navy fires a missile at Houthis in Red Sea

       50 Comments

       Putin on brink as Russian Navy warns of 'massive strike' after US unleashes superweapon

       152 Comments

       Jeremy Hunt calls for 'light touch' AI regulation and global cooperation at Davos

       15 Comments

       Royal Navy crisis as ￡3bn warship's Red Sea mission scuppered by low staff numbers

       1065 Comments

       There's only one way to fix the shameful state of our Armed Forces, says Lt Col Crawford

       61 Comments

       600-mile storm of British and US missiles 'ready to blitz' Houthi rebels in Red Sea

       17 Comments

       Yemen Red Sea attacks: All the ships Britain has sent to attack Iran-backed Houthi rebels

       3 Comments

       The world's most expensive weapon - the missile that costs ￡51m every time one is fired

       20 Comments

       Royal Navy scrambles for new recruits after reports of critical 'sailor shortage'

       151 Comments

       Royal Navy deploys warship to Red Sea in 'extremely serious situation'

       472 Comments

       New ￡10-a-shot laser destroys drones in battlefield revolution

       46 Comments

       North Korea conducts 'underwater nuclear weapon system' as tensions soar

       4 Comments

       Two Royal Navy ships saved from brink as UK launches attacks on Houthi rebels

       82 Comments

       UK military in major crisis as troop numbers set to fall below 70,000 in two years

       953 Comments

       Britain can't be a naval power on the cheap

       5 Comments

       What medals and decorations is King Charles wearing in his new official portrait?

       73 Comments

       Grant Shapps praises 'heroic' UK military after daring Houthi air raids

       21 Comments

       Royal Marines in crisis as manpower and recruitment shortage threaten future of force

       157 Comments

       Royal Navy smashes Iran-backed rebels' 'worst-ever' Red Sea attack with sea viper missiles

       775 Comments

       'Get a grip!' - Top American general's brutal warning to UK army 'not what it used to be'

       145 Comments

       The insane amount of money UK spends when Royal Navy fires a missile at Houthis in Red Sea

       50 Comments

       Putin on brink as Russian Navy warns of 'massive strike' after US unleashes superweapon

       152 Comments

       Jeremy Hunt calls for 'light touch' AI regulation and global cooperation at Davos

       15 Comments

       Royal Navy crisis as ￡3bn warship's Red Sea mission scuppered by low staff numbers

       1065 Comments

       There's only one way to fix the shameful state of our Armed Forces, says Lt Col Crawford

       61 Comments

       600-mile storm of British and US missiles 'ready to blitz' Houthi rebels in Red Sea

       17 Comments

       Yemen Red Sea attacks: All the ships Britain has sent to attack Iran-backed Houthi rebels

       3 Comments

       The world's most expensive weapon - the missile that costs ￡51m every time one is fired

       20 Comments

       Royal Navy scrambles for new recruits after reports of critical 'sailor shortage'

       151 Comments

       Royal Navy deploys warship to Red Sea in 'extremely serious situation'

       472 Comments

       New ￡10-a-shot laser destroys drones in battlefield revolution

       46 Comments

       North Korea conducts 'underwater nuclear weapon system' as tensions soar

       4 Comments

       Two Royal Navy ships saved from brink as UK launches attacks on Houthi rebels

       82 Comments

       UK military in major crisis as troop numbers set to fall below 70,000 in two years

       953 Comments

       Britain can't be a naval power on the cheap

       5 Comments

       What medals and decorations is King Charles wearing in his new official portrait?

       73 Comments

       Grant Shapps praises 'heroic' UK military after daring Houthi air raids

       21 Comments

       Royal Marines in crisis as manpower and recruitment shortage threaten future of force

       157 Comments

       Royal Navy smashes Iran-backed rebels' 'worst-ever' Red Sea attack with sea viper missiles

       775 Comments

       'Get a grip!' - Top American general's brutal warning to UK army 'not what it used to be'

       145 Comments

       The insane amount of money UK spends when Royal Navy fires a missile at Houthis in Red Sea

       50 Comments

       Putin on brink as Russian Navy warns of 'massive strike' after US unleashes superweapon

       152 Comments

       Jeremy Hunt calls for 'light touch' AI regulation and global cooperation at Davos

       15 Comments

       Defence spending was guaranteed in last year's Budget but many critics in the Conservatives believe Hunt should have invested more.

       Mr Shapps has been pushing for mocre investment in technology and groundbreaking equipment and after issues with the new generatio of Type 45 Destroyers and heavy armour vehicles, the laser is a reminder that new technology is successfully transforming Britain's capabilities.

       Mr Shapps became Defence Secretary last year replacing Ben Wallace and has made it his mission to upgrade UK capabilities.

       Related articles Tories urged to oust Sunak now as ex-minister outlines number of letters needed Labour by-election candidate mocked for changing his accent to sound local Sunak launched new fightback against Labour with victory over Tory rebels - poll Sadiq Khan 'will introduce new tax on drivers' if re-elected Mayor, rival warns Tory MPs hope Donald Trump could rescue them in the election in a surprising way