LONDON, England – The British Army has successfully conducted trials of a revolutionary new weapon designed to neutralize swarms of drones using radio waves, achieving this at a remarkably low cost, comparable to that of a pack of mince pies.
- Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapons (RFDEW) can efficiently neutralize drone swarms for as little as 10p per shot;
- These advanced systems can engage targets located up to 1km away, enhancing aerial defense capabilities;
- The initiative sustains over 135 high-skilled jobs within the UK defense sector.
The RFDEW technology is engineered to detect, track, and engage a variety of threats across land, air, and sea, marking a significant advancement in military capabilities.
With an impressive ability to neutralize targets up to 1km distant with near-instantaneous effect, RFDEWs offer a cost-effective alternative to conventional missile defense systems.
Unlike Laser Directed Energy Weapons, which rely on beams of light, RFDEWs utilize radio frequency waves to disrupt hostile threats, rendering them inoperative.
This innovative weapon targets critical electronic components within drones, resulting in their immobilization or descent from the sky. Additionally, it can effectively counter threats on land and sea.
The British Army’s successful trial involved a demonstration version of the RFDEW, produced through a collaborative effort among industry leaders, ensuring the creation of high-skilled jobs in the UK.
This milestone in weapon technology aligns with the government’s modernization strategy, emphasizing rapid technological advancement to bolster national security.
With an automated design, the RFDEW can be operated by a single individual and can be mounted on military vehicles for increased mobility.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, commented:
“The successful demonstration of our Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon marks significant progress in establishing a potentially transformative domestic defense capability for the UK. It showcases our commitment to equipping our Armed Forces with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring we remain prepared against evolving threats.”
The recent live firing trial, executed by the Army’s Royal Artillery Trials and Development Unit, successfully engaged Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) at a testing range in West Wales, a historic first for the British Armed Forces.
These user-experimentation trials have provided Army air defense units with the opportunity to assess the capability of RFDEWs across various configurations and threat scenarios.
This advancement follows a previously announced development process led by a collaborative effort between key defense entities.
Dstl programme lead, Matt Cork, added:
“Facilitating the integration of this cutting-edge technology into our forces is immensely fulfilling. The collaborative efforts among defense sectors have accelerated the evolution of radio frequency technology.”
Nigel MacVean, managing director, stated:
“We are excited about the successful RFDEW trials. Our dedication to advancing this pioneering technology ensures a promising future in this essential field.”
This groundbreaking trial represents a critical milestone in the UK’s commitment to enhancing the operational capabilities of its Armed Forces, providing a sophisticated, cost-effective solution for addressing multiple aerial threats.
Ongoing trials will facilitate continuous improvement and adaptation of RFDEW technologies, further shaping the next generation of mission-ready systems.
