UK deploys microwave weapon capable of disabling drones as part of a defense technology initiative.

      The British Army has effectively neutralised drone swarms during a trial of the “RapidDestroyer,” a novel weapon that employs high-frequency microwaves to incapacitate essential electronic systems in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), leading to their crash. The Army reported successfully downing two swarms of eight drones in a single test conducted in West Wales. Throughout the entire trial, the weapon was utilized to "track, engage and defeat" over 100 drones.

      RapidDestroyer has the potential for deployment in conflict zones globally, including Ukraine, where drones are prevalent on the battlefield. The UK Defence Intelligence agency estimates that Ukraine faced attacks from more than 18,000 Russian drones last year.

      Sergeant Mayers, the first British soldier to down drones using a radiofrequency weapon, stated, “With enhancements in range and power that could arise from further development, this would significantly benefit Layered Air Defence.”

      Although still in development, the weapon could offer a more cost-effective alternative to missile-based defense systems for certain tasks, such as neutralizing large swarms of drones. The Army estimates that each microwave discharge costs just £0.10 (€0.12), with a single shot being sufficient to eliminate several small UAVs from a maximum distance of 1 km.

      The RapidDestroyer was transported via truck. Credit: GOV.UK.

      The RapidDestroyer is not the only directed-energy weapon being developed by the UK. The British Army has also conducted various tests of DragonFire, a system that targets aerial threats with powerful laser beams.

      These advancements are occurring alongside a continent-wide increase in defense technology expenditure as Europe seeks to strengthen its military capabilities amid rising tensions with the US. In March 2025, EU leaders approved the “ReArm Europe” initiative, which aims to mobilise up to £683bn (€800bn) over the next four years to bolster military capabilities. Meanwhile, the UK government has pledged to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP and aims for at least 10% of its defense budget to be allocated to “innovative technologies.”

      Defense technology will be a central topic at this year’s Assembly, the invite-only policy segment of the TNW Conference, scheduled for June 19 and 20, just a week prior to the NATO Summit in Amsterdam. Tickets for the TNW Conference are currently available, and you can use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 for an exclusive discount.

      Published April 17, 2025 - 9:43 am UTC