The British Army has successfully tested its new Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW), capable of neutralizing drone swarms with impressive efficiency at the cost of approximately 10 pence per shot. This cutting-edge weapon employs high-frequency waves to disrupt the electronic components of drones, causing them to either become immobilized or plummet from the sky.
The trials mark the first-time British soldiers have utilized RFDEW technology, which can detect, track, and engage various threats across land, air, and sea. Developed by a consortium led by Thales UK, with contributions from other key players such as QinetiQ, Teledyne e2v, and Horiba Mira, the RFDEW was recently put to the test at the Manorbier range located in West Wales.
According to the UK's Ministry of Defence, the RFDEW system has demonstrated its capability to engage targets effectively at distances exceeding one kilometer. “The successful firing [of the RFDEW] is another step forward for a potentially game-changing sovereign weapon for the UK,” remarked Maria Eagle, the Minister for Defence Procurement, highlighting the weapon's importance to national defense. With such low operational costs compared to traditional missile-based air defense systems, the RFDEW presents a promising alternative for countering the growing threat posed by drones.
The weapon's design focuses on employing high-frequency radio waves as opposed to laser systems, which are typically used for similar purposes. The RFDEW trials involved the Royal Artillery Trials and Development Unit and the 7 Air Defence Group, who tested its effectiveness against uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) within varied operational scenarios.
During the live-firing demonstrations, British soldiers successfully neutralized multiple drone targets. Matt Cork, the programme lead at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), stated, “Getting this technology [RFDEW]...into the hands of our service personnel is hugely rewarding.” His comments reflect the collaborative effort between the military and industry to integrate advanced technology quickly and effectively.
This successful test also signifies the UK's commitment to remaining at the forefront of directed-energy weapon development. Nigel MacVean, Managing Director of Thales Integrated Airspace-protection Systems, echoed the significance of this milestone, stating, “Thales has been at the forefront of this technology for over 40 years,” indicating the company’s long-standing dedication to innovation and support for the UK’s armed forces.
The RFDEW aims to complement existing defense systems against conventional threats as well as the increasingly prevalent swarm tactics employed by drones. Current counter-drone operations can be prohibitively expensive, often costing up to $100,000 per engagement with sophisticated systems. The RFDEW’s operational cost, likened to “the cost of a pack of mince pies,” highlighted its potential for significant budgetary savings.
The testing program will continue to advance the RFDEW’s capabilities, ensuring future deployments are optimized for various operational demands. The development is part of broader efforts within the British Army to exploit new technologies to counter drone threats and maintain cutting-edge defense capabilities.
Moving forward, the British Army plans to mount the RFDEW on military vehicles, such as the MAN SV, to improve its field deployment flexibility. This innovative approach aligns with actions taken by global military forces to address the rising costs associated with counter-drone measures.
Apart from the RFDEW, the British Army has also been implementing additional technologies, such as the SMASH X4 sighting system, aimed at enhancing ground troops' capabilities to effectively engage drones.
With this successful trial, the British Army takes significant strides toward building its technological edge on today's modern battlefield, creating new prospects for defending against aerial threats. This initiative reflects the continual evolution and adaptation of military strategies to meet the challenges posed by increasingly sophisticated drone warfare.
These advancements come at a time when military reporting suggests the UK forces face significant challenges to remain fit for high-intensity conflicts. Programs such as RFDEW are integral to addressing these concerns, providing assurance to the UK’s defense readiness for the future.
