LONDON -- The UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is making significant strides in bolstering its Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) capabilities with the development of a Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW) system. This technology aligns with the recent increase in defense spending, aiming to position the UK's defense industry at the forefront.

The RFDEW system offers the ability to detect, track, and neutralize a wide range of threats across land, air, and sea. With a current operational range of 1 kilometer and ongoing development pushing for further extension, the system disrupts or damages critical electronic components of enemy vehicles through targeted radio waves. This can bring down drones or disable other electronic systems, effectively stopping them in their tracks.

One of the most compelling aspects of the RFDEW system is its cost-effectiveness. Compared to traditional missile-based air defense systems, the RFDEW offers a significant advantage. At a mere 10 pence per shot, it provides a highly economical solution for tackling dangerous drone swarms with immediate effect. Additionally, the system's high automation level allows for single-person operation, reducing manpower requirements.

RFDEW technology can be mounted on a variety of military vehicles and uses a mobile power source to produce pulses of Radio Frequency energy in a beam that can rapidly fire sequenced shots at individual targets or be broadened to simultaneously engage all threats within that beam.

The advanced technology is being developed by a joint team from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), working with UK industry under Project Hersa. The next steps for RFDEW is undergoing extensive field testing with British soldiers over the summer.

Source: Forecast International
Associated URL: https://dsm.forecastinternational.com/2024/05/16/uk-developing-drone-killing-radio-weapon/

THE HAGUE - High Eye is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our journey of innovation and growth: the selection of our Airboxer VTOL UAV by the Dutch Navy. After an extensive study of maritime VTOL UAV systems, the Dutch Navy recognized the Airboxer’s suitability for the challenging maritime domain.

With over a decade of development, the Airboxer has evolved to its current level through dedication and craftsmanship. We are immensely proud that the Dutch Navy acknowledges the qualities of the Airboxer and the expertise of High Eye through this choice.

CEO Joost de Ruiter says: "The choice of the Airboxer is a milestone for High Eye. We are going all out to become a long-term partner of the Dutch Navy. Integrating all kinds of different payloads and embedding them in naval operations will be a learning and useful journey for us that will take our cooperation to the next level. It is great news for us that after winning an international tender from the Ministry of Defense, High Eye has now also signed a contract with the Royal Navy. We see this as a reward for the hard work of our team but, above all, as an encouragement to continue. With these prestigious NATO customers, High Eye is ready to expand its international footprint."

Source: High Eye
Associated URL: https://www.higheye.com/news/high-eye-airboxer-uav-dutch-navy-partnership/

BERLIN - The German Heron TP (GHTP), produced by UAV PEO at the Directorate of Defense, Research and Development at the IMoD and Israel Aerospace Industries, has flown in German airspace for the first time. The Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) was customized for the unique requirements of the German Ministry of Defence, as part of a joint venture between IAI, Israel’s Ministry of Defense's Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), and Airbus.

The close cooperation between Airbus, IAI, DDR&D and the German Armed Forces, ensured development of a RPAS which exhibits both advanced performance and operational readiness while also providing the German Armed Forces with additional capabilities. The flight was conducted in the presence of the senior representatives from the German Air Force, the DDR&D at the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Airbus and, IAI. This historic event is an important step towards reaching full operational capability.

President and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Mr. Boaz Levy: "The deployment of Heron TP (GHTP) RPAS in Germany signifies a milestone achievement for Israel Aerospace Industries, reinforcing its position as a leading provider of cutting-edge aerospace and defense solutions on the global stage. This collaboration sets the stage for continued innovation and collaboration in addressing the ever-evolving challenges in the defense sector."

Head of DDR&D, IMOD, Dr. Daniel Gold: "We are immensely proud to witness this milestone achievement, the maiden flight of the German Heron TP. This joint endeavor between Israel and Germany exemplifies the strong partnership and collaboration between our nations, harnessing cutting-edge technology to provide a qualitative military advantage. The German Heron TP RPAS represents a strategic leap forward in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, fortifying Germany's defense prowess while fostering interoperability with our allies."

IAI VP and General Manager of the Military Aircraft Group, Mr. Moshe Levy: "IAI is pleased to note this further step forward in the German Heron TP project. We thank our partners at Airbus and the Ministry of Defense for their cooperation in this project. It is a source of considerable pride for us that the Heron UAV manufactured by IAI is now flying in German airspace. Together with our partners at Airbus, we are at the disposal of the German Ministry of Defence for whatever they may need and will provide our best possible service. We look forward to implementing a fully successful program."

Head of UAV PEO, DDR&D, IMOD: "We are thrilled with this historic achievement as the Heron-TP RPAS completed its first flight on German airspace. This milestone, made possible through collaborative efforts between Israeli and German governments alongside the IAI and Airbus industries. The Heron-TP RPAS includes advanced capabilities by using cutting-edge technologies integrated into its design."

Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, Mr. Jean-Brice Dumont: "With the German Heron TP, we are building on the success of our close cooperation with Israel Aerospace Industries and the German Armed Forces on the Heron 1. This RPAS has been vital for the safety of German troops and populations in Afghanistan and Mali, while also having supported humanitarian missions. The Heron TP will continue in this tradition and guarantee an unmanned system with outstanding performance and operational readiness, which could also provide additional capabilities for the German Armed Forces in the future due to its modularity, such as maritime surveillance capabilities."

About the German Heron TP (GHTP) RPAS:

The German Heron TP (GHTP) RPAS, a strategic platform capable of carrying a variety of sensors, is a unique joint Israeli and German project, based on a contract given to Airbus and IAI.

As part of an operational turnkey solution by Airbus, the German Heron TP (GHTP) RPAS will fill a gap in the field of persistent, airborne, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). In addition to the provision and modification of the RPAS, the industrial operator model also includes the training of Air Force personnel, basic operation, maintenance, and repair, in theatre, as well as the provision of flight hours.

The system is equipped with means to conduct optical and imaging radar reconnaissance, while providing options for additional SIGINT (signals intelligence) as well as maritime surveillance capabilities.

The German Heron TP (GHTP) RPAS, enables the German Armed Forces to expand its strategic and tactical capabilities, while ensuring interoperability with NATO partners.

At the same time, the system is the only RPAS in its class that has been certified in compliance with STANAG 4671.

The Heron TP is the strategic version in IAI's Heron family of RPAS which also includes the Heron 1 - successfully operated by the German Air Force during its deployments in Afghanistan and Mali for a number of years.

Source: Airbus
Associated URL: https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2024-05-the-heron-tp-rpas-produced-by-uav-peo-at-the-directorate-of-defense?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss