The British Army will be testing a directed energy weapon system known as RFDEW, aimed at targeting and bringing down drones.
The operational costs of this technology are incredibly low, promising to shape the dynamics in current conflicts.
Previously, a group of British scientists demonstrated that laser weapons are a feasible technology that could be deployed on the battlefield within the next 5 to 10 years.
They developed a powerful cannon using laser beams called DragonFire, capable of destroying missiles and drones.
Now, similar to many other countries, the British military is seeking to equip itself with future air defense systems by experimenting with a type of energy weapon called RFDEW, which serves a similar purpose to DragonFire.
The widespread use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in geopolitical conflicts around the world today, particularly in Ukraine, has highlighted the vital role of this type of defensive weapon.
Energy weapons designed to attack UAVs promise to change the landscape of current conflicts (Photo: Futura Science).
To neutralize a drone valued at around 20,000 euros, such as the Shahed-136 used by the Russian military to bomb major cities in Ukraine, missiles costing several million euros must be deployed.
Missile stocks for the military are quickly depleting as drones are often deployed en masse by adversaries to saturate air defense systems.
Therefore, alternative options to minimize damage to personnel and property include the use of electromagnetic guns, laser cannons, and energy weapons like RFDEW.
This type of weapon is currently still under testing and development, which is quite costly. If successful, its operational costs will be very low, and the number of shots is virtually unlimited, as long as the system has power.
Military scientists estimate that the cost of a single electromagnetic pulse (one shot) is around 10 cents. This is enough to shift the economic balance and maintain expensive missile stocks for more critical military operations that justify the expenditure.
Unlimited Firepower at Low Costs
RFDEW has the advantage of being operated by a single operator. This system can detect, track, and engage multiple threatening flying objects at a distance of up to 1 kilometer.
This weapon can also be mounted on various military vehicles: warships, armored vehicles, and tanks, enhancing the combat and defense capabilities of the military on the battlefield.
The primary targets for RFDEW will be drones or even electronic devices on aircraft. To disable them, the weapon emits a powerful electromagnetic radiation that can “fry” their electronic components.
The UK Ministry of Defence has not disclosed the specifications of this weapon due to military secrecy requirements. This device will be tested by the UK’s Defense Procurement Agency along with the DragonFire laser cannon in September.
