The UK military has successfully tested a new radio wave-based weapon designed to take down swarms of drones in coordinated attacks. The “RapidDestroyer,” developed by Thales, uses radio frequency energy to target and disrupt drone components, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional missile-based air defense systems.
During the trial in Wales, the RapidDestroyer system successfully intercepted over 100 drones, with the government citing its effectiveness against targets within a range of half a mile. The technology is currently being developed to increase its effective range.
The UK’s announcement comes as part of its biggest increase in national defense spending since the end of the Cold War. The government has allocated at least 10% of its equipment procurement spend on novel technologies, including RF DEW systems, which could play a key role in protecting the country from unidentified drones and preventing disruptions at airports.
The development of this technology is motivated by Russia’s use of drones in its three-year war against Ukraine, with estimates suggesting that Ukraine had to defend against over 18,000 drone attacks last year. Experts say high-powered microwave systems like the RapidDestroyer could be a effective tool for defense against large numbers of drones and potentially cruise missiles.
In comparison, other countries have also developed similar technologies, including the US military’s Tactical High-power Operational Responder (THOR), which successfully engaged a swarm of targets in 2023. However, the UK’s RF DEW system is distinct in its use of radio waves rather than microwave energy.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/uk-new-radio-wave-weapon-rapiddestroyer-takes-down-drone-swarms