The British Army has successfully tested a directed energy weapon, neutralizing 100 drones simultaneously using high-frequency radio waves.
The British Ministry of Defense recently successfully tested the Radiofrequency Directed Energy Weapon (RF DEW) system, nicknamed RapidDestroyer, capable of neutralizing swarms of drones using high-frequency radio waves. Mounted on an RMMV HX60 truck, the system destroyed more than 100 drones during tests in Wales. With a range of one kilometer and an estimated cost per shot of £0.10 (approximately €0.13), the RF DEW offers a cost-effective solution to the growing threat of drones, particularly in contexts where traditional systems are less effective.
The RF DEW system: radio wave neutralization technology
The RF DEW is a directed energy weapon developed by a consortium led by Thales UK, in collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defense. Unlike traditional jamming systems, the RF DEW emits high-frequency radio waves that disrupt or damage the internal electronic components of drones, causing them to malfunction or crash. The system is designed to be mounted on mobile platforms, such as the RMMV HX60 truck, providing operational flexibility in the field.
The effective range of the RF DEW is approximately 1 kilometer, making it suitable for protecting sensitive sites and close defense against aerial threats. Its cost per shot is estimated at £0.10, or approximately €0.13, representing a cost-effective alternative to traditional missiles, which can cost up to several hundred thousand euros per unit.
Trials in Wales: neutralization of over 100 drones
During trials conducted at the Air Defense Range Manorbier in Wales, the RF DEW system was tested against swarms of drones, including commercial models such as the Parrot Anafi and drones specially designed for testing, such as the Boresight Raider. In total, more than 100 drones were neutralized, demonstrating the system’s effectiveness against multiple simultaneous threats.
Sergeant Mayers, the system operator, highlighted the RF DEW’s ease of use and quick learning curve, indicating that with improvements in range and power, the system could become a major asset for layered air defense.
Economic and operational advantages of RF DEW
The main advantage of RF DEW lies in its extremely low cost per shot, estimated at £0.10 (approximately €0.13). In comparison, missiles such as the Aster 15 or Aster 30, used by the Royal Navy, cost around £1 million (approximately €1.2 million) per unit. This cost difference makes RF DEW particularly attractive for neutralizing low-cost threats, such as modified commercial drones.
In addition, the RF DEW offers instant neutralization capability and can handle multiple targets simultaneously, which is essential when facing coordinated drone attacks. Its integration into existing defense systems would enhance the protection of sensitive infrastructure without requiring massive deployments of resources.
Implications for national security and defense
The growing use of drones in modern conflicts, such as in Ukraine, where more than 18,000 drones were used in 2024 according to British intelligence services, highlights the need for effective and economical defense systems. RF DEW could play a crucial role in protecting military bases, airports, and other critical infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated aerial threats.
In addition, RF DEW’s ability to neutralize autonomous drones, which do not rely on external command signals, makes it particularly useful in environments where traditional jamming systems are ineffective.
Prospects for development and future deployment
Although RF DEW is still in the demonstration phase, test results suggest potential for operational deployment by 2027. The UK government has invested £40 million (approximately €47 million) in the development of this system, supporting innovation in the defense sector.
Efforts are underway to improve the range and power of the RF DEW, as well as to integrate the system into existing air defense configurations, such as Thales’ ForceShield system. This integration would enable a more coordinated and effective response to multiple and varied air threats.