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Britain entered into the laser weapon arms race today by declaring its first prototype design will be ready for testing in 2019.

Michael Fallon said the £30m scheme would create a weapon that works in all weather and in water .

It is being seen as a sign that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is keeping pace with the US who put American Navy warship lasers through trials last year.

The British weapon will be designed by MBDA UK Ltd with the intention of protecting ships from missiles and soldiers from enemy mortars. It will be paid for by the MoD from a new £800m fund.

Mr Fallon said: “The UK has long enjoyed a reputation as a world leader in innovation. Our new Innovation Initiative will transform Defence culture to ensure that we stay ahead of the curve.”

The fund will also pay for life-saving vital signs monitors which transmit medical data in real time to medics, cutting edge anti-missile systems and tiny insect-inspired surveillance drones known as Skeeters.