Known as a Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW), it beams radio waves to disrupt or damage the critical electronics components of enemy vehicles, causing them to stop in their tracks or fall out of the sky.

The system can detect, track, and engage a range of threats across land, air, and sea, and affect targets up to 1km away—with further development being undertaken to extend the range.

At around 10p per shot fired, RFDEW has been said to be a “significant cost-effective alternative” to traditional missile-based air defence systems, capable of downing drone swarms with instant effect.

The high level of automation also means the system can be operated by a single person.

The announcement of the in-development weapon follows the prime minister’s declaration last month of an increase to the defence budget to 2.5% of GDP by 2030.

James Cartlidge, minister for defence procurement, commented: “We are already a force to be reckoned with on science and technology, and developments like RFDEW not only make our personnel more lethal and better protected on the battlefield, but also keep the UK a world leader on innovative military kit.

“The war in Ukraine has shown us the importance of deploying uncrewed systems, but we must be able to defend against them too. As we ramp up our defence spending in the coming years, our Defence Drone Strategy will ensure we are at the forefront of this warfighting evolution.”

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The weapon is being developed by a joint team from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S).

DSTL’s chief executive, Paul Hollinshead, further added: “These game changing systems will deliver decisive operational advantage to the UK armed forces, saving lives and defeating deadly threats.

“World class capabilities such as this are only possible because of decades of research, expertise and investment in science and technology at DSTL and our partners in UK industry.”

The next steps for RFDEW is undergoing “extensive field testing” with British soldiers over the summer, the UK government said.