British forces tested a new radio frequency weapon that disables drone swarms using high-powered energy bursts. The system, called RF-DEW, destroyed over 100 drones during a large-scale military exercise in Wales.
The U.K. Ministry of Defence funded the project through its Plan for Change, partnering with Thales and other defense firms.
Officials view RF-DEW as a scalable, low-cost option for defending against emerging drone threats.
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The British Army successfully used radio waves to shoot down a swarm of drones in a new directed energy weapons test. Known as the Radiofrequency Directed Energy Weapon (RF-DEW), the system emits high-frequency energy to directly disrupt or damage electronic components inside unmanned aerial vehicles. Unlike traditional jamming systems, RF-DEW can physically disable drones, causing them to crash or malfunction.
The Ministry of Defence estimates each shot costs about 13 cents, positioning it as a scalable low-cost system to complement traditional missile-based air defenses, if fully developed.
How did the test unfold?
The trial, held at a weapons range in Wales, marked the U.K.’s largest counter-drone swarm exercise to date. British forces used the RF-DEW system to track and destroy more than 100 quadcopter drones in various formations. The exercise demonstrated the system’s ability to neutralize multiple targets nearly instantaneously. The British Army used two types of drones: the military-grade Boresight Raider and the commercially available Parrot Anafi.
Who developed the technology?
A U.K.-led consortium headed by French defense contractor Thales developed the RF-DEW system, branded as “RapidDestroyer” during trials. The project received over $53 million (£40 million) in government funding as part of the U.K.’s Plan for Change initiative, which commits at least 10% of the Ministry of Defence’s equipment procurement budget to novel technologies starting in fiscal year 2025–26.
Thales’ work on RF-DEW builds on its partnership with both French and British defense ministries, including work on mine countermeasure systems.
Why is the system being prioritized now?
The increased focus on directed energy weapons like RF-DEW comes in response to the growing threat from drones in modern conflicts, exemplified by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. According to U.K. Defence Intelligence, Ukrainian forces faced more than 18,000 drone attacks in the past year alone.
Officials see RF-DEW as a scalable, cost-effective technology that could defend against drone threats at military sites, airports and other sensitive locations. While there are no current plans to deploy the system in Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence is continuing to develop its range and power capabilities.
How does it compare to similar technologies?
RF-DEW is not the first energy-based weapon designed to counter drones. The U.S. tested microwave-based systems such as the Tactical High-power Operational Responder (THOR), and France used handheld anti-drone weapons during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
However, RF-DEW’s use of radio frequencies and demonstrated ability to down entire swarms represents a significant advancement. British defense officials and developers believe further refinement could expand its range and effectiveness, strengthening layered air defense strategies in future conflicts.
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