Additional Coverage:
- The UK says it’s successfully tested its new radio-wave weapon that kills drones from 1,000 yards at $0.13 a pop (newsbreak.com)
UK Test-Fires Anti-Drone Weapon
The UK Defense Ministry has announced the successful live-fire testing of a new radio frequency weapon (RFDEW) designed to neutralize drones. This weapon is a low-cost alternative to missile-based systems, costing approximately 10 pence per shot.
Versatile and Cost-Effective
The RFDEW has a range of up to 1,000 meters and can operate in land, air, and sea environments. It uses high-frequency radio waves to disable critical electronic components in drones, causing them to malfunction or fall from the sky.
Part of a Growing Trend
The development of the RFDEW is part of a global effort to combat the increasing use of drones in warfare. The UK is also developing a vehicle-mounted laser beam weapon with a similar cost and range.
International Collaboration
The RFDEW and laser beam weapon were developed in partnership with private firms Raytheon and Teledyne e2v. The UK is also investing in other laser weapon systems, such as DragonFire, which uses high-energy beams to destroy drones for less than $13 per shot.
Low-Cost Advantage
The low cost of the RFDEW and other emerging anti-drone technologies provides a significant advantage for militaries. Traditional anti-drone systems can be expensive, but these new weapons offer a cost-effective solution to the growing threat of drone attacks.