The UK Ministry of Defence has announced the successful completion of trials of a new radio wave weapon, RapidDestroyer, designed to neutralise swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). During exercises at a proving ground in west Wales, the system effectively destroyed two groups of eight drones, with the total number of targets destroyed during the trials exceeding 100, the Financial Times reported. The development, created by a consortium led by French defence company Thales, is a mobile installation placed in the back of a truck. RapidDestroyer uses high-frequency radio waves to disable drones’ electronics, causing them to malfunction or break down. The system, which requires significant energy resources, is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to traditional air defence missile systems, with a single “shot” costing about 10 pence. The British military is considering the possibility of using the technology in modern conflicts, including support for Ukraine, where drones have become a key element of the fighting.

The UK Army’s biggest ever counter-drone swarm trial highlights the growing threat posed by drones in modern warfare. RapidDestroyer can engage targets up to 1km away, making it an effective tool for protecting military installations and critical infrastructure. The UK Ministry of Defence has invested more than £40m in developing the system, seeing the potential to bolster defence capabilities and export the technology to allies. The success of the trial, officials say, underlines the UK defence industry’s leadership in developing innovative solutions.

RapidDestroyer trials have been praised for its ability to instantly neutralize multiple targets. The Guardian clarifies that the system could be part of a package of military aid to Ukraine, where the Ukrainian Armed Forces are facing massive attacks from Russian drones such as the Lancet and Geran.