U.K. Tests Radio-Wave Weapon to Defeat Drone Swarms

The U.K. Ministry of Defence has conducted its largest-ever anti-drone swarm trials, testing a new radio-wave weapon that can disable drones mid-air for just 10 pence per shot.

During the live-fire exercises at Air Defence Range Manorbier in Wales, British soldiers brought down over 100 drones using a Radiofrequency Directed Energy Weapon (RF DEW). The system uses high-frequency radio waves to disrupt a drone's internal electronics, forcing it to crash or malfunction—offering a potential low-cost alternative to missile-based air defence.

The trial marks the first time the British Army has defeated drone swarms using this type of weapon. Soldiers from 106 Regiment Royal Artillery were able to detect, track, and neutralise multiple drones at once, at a range of up to one kilometre. According to the Ministry of Defence, two swarms were downed in a single engagement.

The system was developed by Thales UK as part of 'Team Hersa'—a collaboration between Defence Equipment & Support and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. The programme has received over £40 million in government investment and currently supports more than 135 jobs across Northern Ireland and the South East of England.

Unlike traditional jamming systems that attempt to interfere with signals, RF DEW physically disables drones—including those hardened against electronic warfare. Its low operating cost and precision make it suitable for protecting airports, military sites, and public events against unauthorized drones.

The trials come amid rising global concern over drone swarms in conflict zones. U.K. Defence Intelligence reports that Ukrainian forces faced over 18,000 drone attacks last year alone. As the threat evolves, so too does the push for affordable and rapid-response countermeasures.