Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Defence Investment Plan, published on 30 June 2026, paragraph 93, what directed energy weapons are being developed in addition to DragonFire.

The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) commits £490 million to Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) over the next four years. This investment will deliver DragonFire and help ensure the UK remains at the forefront of this technology within NATO, while laying the groundwork for the next generation of DEW capabilities in collaboration with UK industry.

This forms part of a longer-term investment programme. The DIP also sets out plans to invest at least £20 billion in new weapons and munitions between 2030 and 2035, including DEW for both land and maritime platforms.

Further announcements on DEW will be made when appropriate.