Image Source: topwar.ru
On December 23, the British Army announced a successful test of the RFDEW anti-aircraft radio frequency cannon from a ground platform, which was operated by a MAN SV military truck. According to the command, this is an effective and cost-effective solution to combat modern aerial threats, including drones.
The RFDEW is capable of destroying air and ground targets at a distance of up to 1 km, but further development plans to increase this distance. High-frequency radio waves act as a means of destruction, the "beam" of which is directed at the object. The cost of a shot is 10 pence (13 rubles). The high level of automation of the system allows one person to manage it.
The first demonstration of RFDEW in a drone raid took place at a training ground in Wales. During the tests, the complex successfully detected and neutralized UAVs, which, in particular, worked in a swarm.
Image source: topwar.ru
As indicated in the Navy Lookout publication, a radio frequency cannon is a type of directional energy weapon that neutralizes threats by emitting high–intensity radio frequency waves that disrupt or damage critical electronic components of enemy equipment. Unlike conventional electronic jamming systems that confuse targets, the radio frequency cannon provides "hard destruction" by physically disabling the targets' electronics.
According to the author, it is possible to protect components from electromagnetic pulses to some extent, but this significantly increases costs and weight and is especially impractical for small UAVs.
The RFDEW system has much lower energy requirements than laser weapons, takes up less space, and can be mounted on a small truck. The complex can be removed from the vehicle to protect stationary objects. Although the project was initially focused on the ground forces, this technology can be used in the navy as an inexpensive anti-UAV system.
