UK Successfully Tests New Anti-Drone Radio Weapon
The UK Defense Ministry has announced the successful live testing of a new anti-drone radio weapon in West Wales. The Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW) represents a significant advancement in counter-drone technology, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional missile-based systems.
Developed as part of the UK’s strategy to address the growing threat of drone warfare, the RFDEW boasts an impressive range of up to 1,000 meters and can be deployed in various environments, including land, air, and sea. Perhaps most notably, the weapon’s operational cost is remarkably low, with each shot estimated at approximately 10 pence.
The live firing trial, conducted by the Army’s Royal Artillery Trials and Development Unit and 7 Air Defence Group, demonstrated the weapon’s effectiveness in neutralizing drones. The RFDEW employs high-frequency radio waves to disable unmanned aerial vehicles by targeting their electronic components.
Designed for ease of use, the system is largely automated and can be operated by a single person. Its versatility is further enhanced by its ability to be mounted on military vehicles, increasing its mobility and deployment options.
The development of the RFDEW comes in response to the increasing prominence of drone warfare, as evidenced by recent conflicts such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This new technology forms part of a broader initiative by the UK government to bolster its defense capabilities against emerging threats.
In addition to the RFDEW, the UK is also developing a vehicle-mounted laser weapon with similar cost and range specifications. Both systems are the result of a collaborative effort between the government and private sector firms, including Raytheon and Teledyne e2v.
The UK’s investment in advanced anti-drone technology extends beyond these two systems. The country has also funded the development of DragonFire, another laser-based weapon system designed to provide a low-cost solution to counter drone threats.
In the global context, the United States is working on a comparable microwave-based weapon called THOR, aimed at disabling drone swarms. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, companies like Kvertus are offering handheld anti-drone solutions, highlighting the growing demand for such technologies in conflict zones.
The low operational cost of these new systems presents a significant advantage over traditional anti-drone technologies, which can be considerably more expensive. As drone warfare continues to evolve, the development of cost-effective countermeasures like the RFDEW is likely to play an increasingly important role in modern defense strategies.
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