In response to parliamentary questions raised by James Cartlidge (Conservative – South Suffolk), the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has outlined its efforts to enhance the security of UK and allied military bases through the development and deployment of Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs).
Maria Eagle, Minister of State for Defence, highlighted the role of DEWs in safeguarding military bases against evolving threats:
“DEW technology mitigates against the increasing threat from direct attack or weapon drop drones by defeating them or discouraging attempts by significantly reducing their probability of success.”
Eagle confirmed that the MOD has trialled DEW systems and is leveraging data from other non-UK systems to develop tailored solutions for base protection. She emphasised the MOD’s priority of transitioning this technology into operational capability:
“Throughout their development we will ensure they’re designed to counter the threats faced by our Armed Forces. This will allow our Armed Forces to operate more effectively against a changing and asymmetric threat landscape.”
Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapons, which use radio waves to disable enemy electronics and drones, are central to this strategy. Eagle described them as a “game-changing” capability, stating:
“The system has been tested against a range of targets, proving to be highly effective. The system will be able to effect targets up to 1km away, with further development taking place to extending the range.”
While the MOD acknowledged the importance of DEWs in base defence, Eagle declined to provide specific details about their use in protecting military installations:
“Due to operational security, the MOD does not comment on the specific protection of military bases.”
This underscores the sensitive nature of military base protection and the need to balance transparency with security requirements.
By investing in sovereign DEW capabilities, the MOD aims to ensure that UK and allied bases remain secure against a wide range of threats, particularly those posed by drones and electronic warfare systems.
As Eagle concluded:
“This decision demonstrates the MOD’s approach to transitioning technology into capability meeting real-world threats.”
Should, not could.
And if we could add 40mm guns as well, as well as CAMM for the really important ones, that would be swell.
We need a multi-layered GBAD solutions. Long range anti ballistic missiles- so Aster 30 NTs, backed up by medium range missiles out to 25kms- so Land Ceptor, then CIWS such as phalanx and 40mm bofors guns- all radar guided and then final defence- line of sight directed energy weapons. SDSR has to sort this issue out, its absolute folly to have no organic air defences other than a small number of army land ceptor batteries.
Its also funny after 14 years of Tory mismanagement that a conservative MP is asking the new labour government what they are going to do about an integrated air defence network. What were the Tories doing about the situation over the last 14 years?….that’s right precisely nothing.
Very true. None of them have a leg to stand on.
And even add in some Boxer based or Tridon type truck based shorad. Rapidly deployable, shareable calibre ammo, affordable?