An energy laser weapon that was recently trialled in the Hebrides will be installed on Royal Navy warships for the first time from 2027.

Able to fire at any target visible in the air, and with an accuracy equivalent to hitting a pound coin from a kilometre away, the “DragonFire” laser energy weapon uses an intense beam of light to engage targets like drones.

The weapon is the result of a £100 million joint investment by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), and industry partners, and was tested against aerial targets in the Hebrides at the beginning of the year.

It was originally expected that DragonFire would be rolled out to UK armed forces in 2032. However, due to a raft of reforms for defence procurement that came into effect this week, the weapon will now be operational around five years earlier than planned.

The UK government said that a “key” part of these new forms is “delivering a minimum deployable capability quickly to personnel and finalising development once in-service,” and will “ensure more consistent delivery for the UK’s Armed Forces.”

Speaking on both the reforms and DragonFire, defence secretary Grant Shapps commented: “In a more dangerous world, our approach to procurement is shifting with it. We need to be more urgent, more critical and more global.

“Our widespread reforms will deliver the latest kit and weaponry for our Armed Forces faster and help identify export opportunities that can boost the UK economy.

“DragonFire shows the best of the UK at the forefront of military technology, and we will not delay in getting it in the hands of our military to face down the threats we’re facing.”

According to the government, DragonFire has the potential to be a long-term, lower-cost alternative to certain tasks that missiles currently carry out, with the cost of operating the laser typically around £10 per shot.

Prior to DragonFire’s testing in the Hebrides, trials of its viability and performance took place in Porton Down, England.

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Paul Hollinshead, the chief executive of Dstl, also remarked on DragonFire and the new reforms: “This is excellent news, and a real step forward in enabling operational advantage at pace for UK Defence.

“Dstl is all about preparing for the future and the DragonFire technology is a great example of that.

“Our scientists along with industry partners have worked tirelessly to bring laser technology to where it is today, one which I am proud to say is a UK sovereign capability.”