U.K. Military Successfully Tests New Directed Energy Weapon Against Drone Swarms

The U.K. military recently announced the successful field test of a groundbreaking weapon intended to take down swarms of drones. Known as the RapidDestroyer, this Radiofrequency Directed Energy Weapon (RF DEW) has been developed by a consortium led by the British branch of the French defense company Thales. The trial occurred at a military weapons range in Wales, marking it as the largest exercise the British Army has conducted against drone swarms to date.

In the test, British soldiers effectively tracked and intercepted more than 100 drones using the RF DEW system, which operates on the principle of utilizing radio wave energy to target, disrupt, or damage drone components directly. This approach differs from traditional methods that primarily focus on jamming communication signals between drones and their operators. With an operational cost of approximately $0.18 per shot, the government highlighted the RF DEW’s potential as a cost-efficient alternative to conventional missile defense systems.

Although the weapon currently achieves effectiveness at a range of about half a mile, efforts are ongoing to enhance its operational capabilities further. The advancements in RF DEW systems are particularly underscored by the increasing use of drone swarms in conflicts, notably illustrated by Russia's ongoing military actions in Ukraine. The U.K. government's move to introduce such technology coincides with a significant rise in national defense spending, ensuring investments in modern military technologies.

Experts, like Justin Bronk from the Royal United Service Institute, have indicated that high-powered microwave systems could serve as a valuable defense mechanism against large numbers of drones and potentially even cruise missiles. Globally, military and police forces are also deploying smaller anti-drone weapons to address individual drone threats, showcasing a growing emphasis on counter-unmanned aerial vehicle strategies.