BAE Systems has completed integration and deployment testing for its Anti Threat System (BATS), a counter-drone technology developed by the company’s Digital Intelligence business.
The field-based tests mark an important stage in the project’s development, following an accelerated eight-month timeline from initial concept to field trial.
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The BATS system is designed to provide layered protection against hostile drones by detecting, tracking, identifying and countering uncrewed aerial threats.
Its deployment aims to address concerns over increasingly sophisticated drone technology targeting military personnel, critical infrastructure, and other essential assets.
Testing took place at a secure site in Norfolk, where BAE Systems worked with MSI-Defence Systems to integrate firing technology with the BATS platform.
During these tests, the modular, software-defined system was used to track threats, and its rapid mobility was also assessed by demonstrating the ability to dismantle and redeploy the system in a new location.
According to the company, this flexibility is intended to align with operational demands in contemporary conflict zones.
The tests also involved data capture and analysis to support quick response actions against uncrewed vehicles.
The aim was to validate BATS’ capacity for fusing intelligence and enabling fast decision-making by its operators when faced with drone threats.
BAE Systems Digital Intelligence strategy head Louise Heywood said: “The test demonstrated exactly what BATS is designed to achieve – rapid deployment, seamless integration and the capability for fast, effective response.
“Moving from concept to field-based testing in just eight months is a testament to our expertise and the agility of everyone involved. This milestone puts us in a strong position as we continue to develop the system at pace and advance to live-fire trials in August.”
Following the completion of the integration and deployment testing phase, the BATS programme will proceed to live trials in the summer.
These upcoming tests are expected to introduce both kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures, providing further evaluation of the system’s ability to respond to a range of uncrewed threats.
