UK Plans to Introduce Its Directed Energy Weapon Against Unmanned Threats by 2026.

The UK is advancing in its efforts to counter unmanned systems by developing the Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW). This system, developed in collaboration between Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), is expected to enter service by 2026. Following three years of experimentation, the RFDEW is nearing the end of its development phase and is designed to neutralize a range of threats across land, air, and sea.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Dstl Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon mounted on British HX60 Military Truck (Picture source: Twitter Chanel Gabriele Molinelli)

The RFDEW uses radio waves to disrupt or damage the electronic components of enemy vehicles, causing them to stop or crash. Designed to counter unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including drones, it is an effective tool to protect the UK's military assets from these threats.

One of its key advantages is its low operational cost. Each shot costs approximately £0.10 ($0.12), making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional missile-based air defense systems. This could reduce military spending related to defending against aerial threats and provide an efficient solution against drone swarms, increasingly prevalent on modern battlefields.

With the development of this weapon, the UK Ministry of Defence is addressing the need to counter asymmetric threats posed by UAS. The system can detect, track, and engage a variety of targets and could become an essential asset for the UK's armed forces. The expected 2026 deployment marks a significant milestone in the development of non-kinetic defense technologies.

On May 16, 2024, the British government revealed significant progress with the RFDEW, which is part of Project Ealing aimed at enhancing military capabilities in an era of technological warfare.

Defense Procurement Minister James Cartlidge emphasized the importance of the RFDEW, stating that technologies like this increase the effectiveness and protection of British personnel while maintaining the UK's leadership in military innovation.

The system emits targeted radio waves that interfere with the electronic components of drones and other enemy devices. With a range of one kilometer, efforts are underway to extend its reach. Its cost-efficiency, with each activation costing only 10 pence, offers a more economical alternative to traditional missile systems.

Developed in collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), and UK industry, the RFDEW is undergoing rigorous field testing. Mounted on various military vehicles, it can engage multiple targets, making it a key element in the UK's strategy against unmanned systems.