British soldiers have achieved a major breakthrough in counter-drone technology by successfully testing a new Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW) system that can disable aerial threats using radio waves.
The groundbreaking weapon system, which costs merely 10 pence per shot to operate, can effectively neutralize hostile drones and other threats up to 1 kilometer away with near-instant results. This provides a cost-efficient alternative to traditional missile-based air defense systems.
Unlike laser-based directed energy weapons, the RFDEW employs high-frequency radio waves to disrupt or damage critical electronic components inside target devices, causing them to malfunction or fall from the sky. The system's versatility allows it to engage threats across land, air, and sea domains.
The demonstration trials were conducted by the Army's Royal Artillery Trials and Development Unit and 7 Air Defence Group in West Wales, marking the first successful targeting and engagement of Uncrewed Aerial Systems by British Armed Forces using this technology.
Developed by a UK-based consortium led by Thales UK, along with partners QinetiQ, Teledyne e2v, and Horiba Mira, the project supports 135 high-skilled jobs across the country. The system's high level of automation enables single-operator control and can be mounted on military vehicles for enhanced mobility.
Defence Procurement Minister Maria Eagle MP praised the achievement, noting that it represents a major step forward in developing sovereign defense capabilities against emerging threats.
The successful trials are part of an ongoing development process managed by Team HERSA, a collaboration between UK MOD's Defence Equipment & Support and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).
Thales IAS Managing Director Nigel MacVean highlighted the significance of the trials, stating they mark a pivotal moment in enhancing the UK's operational capabilities while offering a precise and cost-effective solution for defeating multiple aerial threats.
The development program continues as Team HERSA works with operators to refine requirements and doctrine, shaping the next generation of mission-optimized radio frequency weapon systems.