Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon

The Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW) is a British directed-energy weapon and electronic warfare (EW) system currently under development for the British Armed Forces. It is a joint project of the UK Ministry of Defence's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory and Defence Equipment & Support agencies, working in conjunction with industry partners. It was first unveiled publicly on 16 May 2024 and was developed under Project Hersa.[1]

Overview

The system is capable of detecting, tracking and engaging multiple targets on the ground, on the sea and in the air up to 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) away, with ongoing development to extend this range further. It beams radio waves to disrupt or damage critical electronic components, such as those found in UAVs or aircraft avionics, with instant effect, and is estimated to cost 10 pence (13 cents) per shot, making it a cheaper alternative to missile-based systems. It is capable of defending against drone swarms and is designed with extensive automation, meaning it can be operated by a single person.[1][2] The system can be mounted to a variety of platforms, from ships to ground vehicles, and will be used to defend critical assets and bases.[3][4] It is due to be field tested by the British Army's 7th Air Defence Group in the summer of 2024.[4]

The RFDEW was developed against the backdrop of the Russo-Ukrainian War, the Israel-Hamas War and the Red Sea crisis which have each highlighted the importance of cost-effective counter-UAV systems;[5] to intercept a $20,000 drone, an Aster missile costing $1.3-2.5 million is 63-126 times more expensive to shoot down the target, while a 13-cent RFDEW shot is 150,000 times cheaper.[6][7] It may have also been developed in response to China's development of drone swarms.[8] The system was revealed following a government pledge to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030.[9]

See also

References
  1. "UK's EW UAS-jammer set for field testing". Shepherd News. 16 May 2024. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  2. UK reveals development of low cost Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon. Breaking Defense. 16 May 2024.
  3. "Cutting-edge drone killer radio wave weapon developing at pace". GOV.UK. 16 May 2024. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  4. Karpus, Vadym (16 May 2024). "The RFDEW is an energy weapon with a shot price of 13 cents and unlimited ammunition. It is designed to destroy drones and aircraft electronics". ITC. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  5. "Royal Navy: MoD developing advanced drone killer radio wave weapon after Red Sea attacks". The News. 17 May 2024. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  6. Directed energy weapon replaces million-dollar missiles at 13 cents a shot. New Atlas. 15 May 2024.
  7. UK Officially Unveils its New Radio Frequency Cannon Designed to Counter Drone Swarms. Army Recognition. 17 May 2024.
  8. Cecil, Nicholas (16 May 2024). "Drone-busting weapon to destroy swarms of unmanned aircraft revealed by Britain". The Standard. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  9. Candlin, Alex (16 May 2024). "New 10p-a-shot anti-drone weapon being developed for UK's Armed Forces". Forces News.
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