In response to the rising costs of counter-drone operations, the British Army has tested a new radiowave weapon capable of taking down drone swarms “for less than the cost of a pack of mince pies.”
Called the Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW), the system uses high-frequency waves to disrupt the electronic components of drones, causing them to fall from the sky.
At just 10 pounds ($12.5) per shot, the weapon can reportedly protect troops and military installations within a radius of one kilometer (0.6-mile).
The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that a demonstrator version of the RFDEW successfully disabled multiple drones during a recent live-fire trial in West Wales.
“The successful firing [of the RFDEW] is another step forward for a potentially game-changing sovereign weapon for the UK,” Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, said.
Once deployed, the low-cost radiowave weapon can complement missile base air defense systems and other expensive counter-drone technologies.
‘Enhancing Future Operational Capabilities’
The RFDEW readiness test comes at a time when reports suggest that the UK military is “unfit for war” and could only endure six months of high-intensity conflict similar to Ukraine.
However, the team behind the RFDEW emphasized that the new weapon could significantly boost the country’s future operational capabilities by offering a precise, powerful, and cost-effective way to counter emerging drone threats.
It could also ensure that the UK stays at the forefront of directed-energy weapons, which is deemed a “crucial advantage” in modern warfare.
“Getting this technology into the hands of our service personnel is hugely rewarding,” program lead Matt Cork stated.
“Dstl (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory) has worked collaboratively with DE&S (Defence Equipment & Support) and industry which has meant the rapid evolution of radio frequency technology.”
The UK military is expected to conduct further tests with the RFDEW.
Reducing Counter-Drone Costs
Britain’s efforts to implement cheaper ways to neutralize drones mirror a similar push by the US military to reduce reliance on costly counter-drone systems.
In April, US Department of Defense undersecretary for acquisition William LaPlante revealed that using sophisticated air defense systems to take out hostile drones currently costs over $100,000 per shot.
Even Houthi rebels have reportedly mocked its adversary for spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to engage $2,000 hostile drones.
