From Yemen to Afghanistan, drones have become a prominent tool in military arsenals, reshaping the nature of warfare. The recent Red Sea conflict, marked by Houthi drone attacks on foreign ships, further highlights the growing role of drones on the battlefield. However, the legal landscape surrounding drone warfare remains murky, with differing perspectives complicating international norms. This lack of consensus has led to unilateral actions by states, raising concerns about the ethical and legal implications of drone use in armed conflicts.

Until an effective legal consensus is agreed upon by states, developing a physical solution to drone attacks seems to be the United Kingdom’s objective. The UK’s new laser-based weapons system, DragonFire, provides a window into how states are preparing for a future of drone-dominated conflicts.