Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

British Army and UK Royal Navy new counter-drone soft-kill systems near fielding

13th January 2025 - 10:22 GMT | by Damian Kemp in London

RSS

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