BAE Systems is developing a new counter-drone capability designed to detect, track and defeat uncrewed threats using a mix of software, sensors and electronic warfare tools.
The system, known as the BAE Systems Anti Threat System (BATS), is being developed at pace by UK-based engineers to address the growing challenge posed by drones targeting military and civilian infrastructure.
Work on the programme began in October 2025, with system testing expected within months and live-fire trials planned for early summer.
The approach centres on reducing reliance on expensive interceptor missiles by using a layered system that combines detection, classification and response tools.
“Drone incursions are a clear and present issue, putting citizens, military personnel and infrastructure at risk,” said Andrea Thompson, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence business.
She added that the pace of technological change in uncrewed systems is driving the need for faster development cycles.
“The technology evolves faster than traditional defence systems can respond, with new behaviours, payloads and tactics emerging almost daily.”
BATS is built around a software-driven command and control architecture, designed to fuse data from multiple sensors and provide rapid decision support to operators.
The system is intended to identify and classify threats in real time before recommending an appropriate response, which could include electronic warfare effects or kinetic options depending on the scenario.
Its open architecture, say BAE, is designed to allow integration with a wide range of existing and future sensors and effectors, enabling it to be adapted across different operational environments, including borders, airfields and urban areas.
So we have BAE BATS now where is the belfry – which is where our politicians seem to live with their bats?
Why on earth is this being done only now when the need for this has been obvious for at least three years.
Possibly because the technology wasn’t there. From the description it’s pretty clear that AI is being used heavily in the system.
If by AI you mean Machine Learning then that has been around in UK military kit since the Millenium.
UKR have shown the tech is there.
We have now launched Operation Gold Plate.
I’m with SB on this. We aren’t talking even 5 years we are talking this sort of urgency 1 to 2 years ago. Plus while ai technology is ,boing at an unbelievable rate that will be the case for many, many years at least it’s always been moveable goal posts, and has at an advanced state for at least 5 years (being conservative) and Bae has obviously been working in this sphere for at least that long (not to mention wider such overlapping programmes) so this isn’t simply something that’s been developable out of the blue it’s just that the decision has been made on spending budget on bringing the various technology together (whoever is responsible for that). Fact is what it is now is better than what it would have been a year or more ago if similar commitment had been made or will be as good in one or more years in the future. It’s all about seeing the risk and trying to organise against it, which has both political and industrial will. That said this may we’ll have been something Bae (and others no doubt) and it is only company to light now because it’s hit a certain level of maturity and potential, thus a product, or it’s just been stepped up in level of urgency though that latter is perhaps the point of argument where has the urgency been previously quick enough. Either way I very much doubt, but equally in cynical mode sure hope this isn’t something only now having been thought necessary due to recent events. Those events have probably just focused the market and Bae deciding it’s a good time to market their ideas.
No messing around; get it done fast. To achieve early introduction, a phased system starts with a basic unit for mass production and then introduces upgrades as development allows. Attaining near perfection at launch is why some defence projects are being delayed, and a staggered process at least allows for a rapid roll-out. Ajax is a case in point; once the principal faults are addressed and are curable, the less urgent elements can be addressed once the fleet is in service. Not ideal, but the UK doesn’t have the time to mess around. Drone attacks on British soil could be a possibility sooner than we might think. I fear Iran will use every facility and agency to deliver revenge across Western nations.
I agree.
They don’t really fear UK as they are at war with USA and the general policy is to lash out in every direction. Probably encouraged by Xi and Mad Vlad.
There do appear to be individual and multinational programmes running concurrently with European nations to achieve anti-missile and drone systems at pace. I might be wrong, but not all these projects appear to be monitored or controlled by NATO?
What fancy project name will buy nothing but look very interested MOD give it?. Be a press release saying how the MOD are looking at it an having an industry open day and some around the table meetings about it, then a bland Labour MP will ask a load question about defence in PMQ’s and get long winded waffled anser say we doing all we can to end up doing nothing.