The weapon is a type of radiofrequency Directed Energy Weapon and can neutralise multiple targets simultaneously with near-instant effect.
It uses high frequency radio waves to disrupt and damage critical electronic components inside the drone, causing them to crash or malfunction.
In addition, the weapon can target airborne objects up to 1km away.
Largest Counter-Drone Swarm Exercise in UK Army History
The trial was completed in West Wales and was the largest counter-drone swarm exercise the British Army have conducted.
The government invested £40m in the weapon’s research and development, supporting 135 jobs in Northern Ireland and the South-East of England.
It is a cost-effective weapon, estimates at 10p per shot fired, according to the UK government.
National Innovation and Industry Collaboration
Minister for defence procurement and industry, Maria Eagle, said: “This significant experiment exemplifies the strength of British innovation - driven by our home-grown industry, technology firms and scientific talent.
“We continue to strengthen our defence sector, adding more cutting-edge capabilities to keep the UK secure at home and strong abroad, while making defence an engine for growth across our towns and cities.”
Team Hersa and Industrial Partners Behind the Tech
The project was delivered by Team Hersa – a collaboration between Defence Equipment and Support and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. The demonstrator was developed by a range of industrial companies led by Thales UK.
Thales employed around 100 highly skilled engineering staff in Northern Ireland on the project, and there are a further 30-35 highly skilled supply chain jobs in Essex.
