British Army and UK Royal Navy new counter-drone soft-kill systems near fielding
Thales' RFDEW has proven its capability. (Photo: UK Ministry of Defence/Crown Copyright)
Ongoing military operations in Europe and the Middle East have accelerated the development of a variety of systems to defeat uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).
The technical demonstration of lasers and radio frequency (RF) electronic warfare systems is pushing counter-UAS (CUAS) capability towards development as a fieldable system. This could create a more powerful weapon, beyond the proven current high standard of technical readiness level.
Major systems in development in the UK which reflect this progress are Thales' RF Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW) and the DragonFire laser and both have passed major milestones in the past 12 months in a push towards creating fielded systems.
Last year, the UK’s MBDA DragonFire laser-directed energy weapon (LDEW) system passed a significant milestone by successfully firing against aerial
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Lithuania increases ground capability and spending in a high-threat environment]()
Lithuania increases ground capability and spending in a high-threat environment
It has been more than two decades since Lithuania joined the EU and NATO, which followed the country’s independence from the USSR almost 15 years before that. The country is now in the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine war with air incursions from Russian ally Belarus.
-
![Serbia looks to balance lighter platforms and heavier calibres]()
Serbia looks to balance lighter platforms and heavier calibres
Even small tactical vehicles can benefit from more powerful offensive and defensive armament, but as recent developments at Yugoimport demonstrate, there are still limitations to the sophistication of what can be fielded.
-
![Next-generation gun set to boost US Army combat vehicle capabilities]()
Next-generation gun set to boost US Army combat vehicle capabilities
The 50mm main weapon on the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle currently being competed for by industry will offer a step-change in firepower and targeting over the in-service M2 Bradley.
-
![The year ahead: Major trends and forecasts for the land domain in 2026]()
The year ahead: Major trends and forecasts for the land domain in 2026
2025 was a busy year for the land domain and 2026 looks set to be just as big. Shephard’s Dr Peter Magill analyses some of the major trends we are likely to see in the year ahead.
