UK raises the bar: laser weapons, AI and new tanks
The British Government announced important steps forward in modernising the Armed Forces, accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies and strengthening its commitment to defence spending. Among the most notable initiatives is the early introduction of the laser weapon system DragonFire in the Royal Navy, the development of artificial intelligence-based capabilities and the upgrade of main battle tanks to the Challenger 3.
Emerging technologies and defence
"We are introducing laser technology into the Navy about five years ahead of schedule, which will protect our Armed Forces and allow us to learn by doing," said Defence Procurement Minister James Cartlidge Eagle. The system DragonFire, developed by the MBDA-led industrial consortium with Leonardo UK and QinetiQ, marked a historic moment in January 2024 by successfully striking an aerial target during a high-power test.
Making this technology operational more quickly will, according to Eagle, allow for continuous improvements in areas such as integration, software systems and overall effectiveness, while helping to guide future decisions on directed energy weapons.
In parallel, the British government established a £400 million restricted fund for defence innovation, and announced that at least 10% of the MoD's equipment budget will be allocated to advanced technologies, including autonomous and AI-based capabilities.
Defence spending and future targets: 2.5% of GDP by 2027
In the spring statement, the target to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 was confirmed. This will result in a £14.2 billion increase in the fiscal year 2027-2028 compared to 2024-2025, according to Office for Budget Responsibility estimates. In 2024, the UK spent about GBP 64.6 billion on defence, an increase from GBP 61.9 billion in the previous year.
Challenger 3 programme: challenges and developments
The process of upgrading the British main tank to configuration Challenger 3 has, however, encountered obstacles in the supply chain. Initial operational capacity is planned for 2027, while full delivery of the 138 vehicles is expected by 2030.
"Additional resources have been directed towards resolving these issues and the next phase of testing will begin in the second quarter of 2025," Eagle explained. The programme is being led by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land and includes a new turret with a 120mm smoothbore gun, upgraded armour and active protection system.
The approved budget for the programme is £1.9 billion and, at this time, there are no plans for increases related to technical challenges or inflation. "We are confident that Challenger 3 will continue to respond to potential threats throughout its lifecycle, but we will continue to closely monitor its performance to ensure it remains at the global forefront," Eagle concluded.
Published by Condoralex
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
