UK Anti-Drone System: A Breakthrough in Defence Technology
**The UK Ministry of Defence has unveiled a cutting-edge anti-drone system that leverages radio wave technology in combating swarm drones. Recent testing revealed the system’s remarkable capability to neutralize multiple drone threats simultaneously at a designated test site in western England. This initiative marks the largest anti-drone exercise ever conducted by the UK Army, showcasing a significant development in military defence strategies.**
Maria Eagle, the Director of Procurement and Industry at the UK Ministry of Defence, commented on the trial, emphasizing the innovation showcased by British technology firms and scientific expertise. “This significant test demonstrates the power of innovation produced by the UK’s own industry,” she stated, underscoring the dual goal of enhancing national security while fostering growth within the defence sector.
Named the RF DEW (Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon), this advanced system employs high-frequency radio waves to disrupt the electronic components of drones, rendering them inoperative or causing them to crash. With an estimated cost of just 10 pence per engagement, it presents an economical alternative to existing missile-based air defence solutions, while effectively neutralizing threats at a distance of up to one kilometer.
Crucially, the RF DEW has proven effective against threats that traditional electronic warfare methods fail to address. The UK Ministry of Defence has reported that over 100 drones have been successfully neutralized during the system’s development phase, highlighting its operational reliability and efficiency.
To date, the UK has invested more than £40 million into the RF DEW initiative, a venture designed to support over 135 skilled jobs across Northern Ireland and the southeast of England. This collaborative effort is facilitated by Team Hersa, a consortium that includes the Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), with Thales UK being the main contractor.
Several European nations, including France and Italy, are simultaneously increasing their missile stockpiles in response to evolving aerial threats. This trend further emphasizes the significance of innovations like the RF DEW in maintaining strategic defence capabilities.
