BAE Systems takes BATS counter-drone system from concept to test in eight months

BAE Systems has completed integration and deployment testing of its Anti-Threat System after moving the counter-drone capability from initial concept to field-based trials in just eight months.

Known as BATS, the system has been developed by BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence business to detect, track, identify and defeat hostile drones.

The company said the scalable counter-uncrewed threat system is designed to provide layered protection for military forces, critical infrastructure and other high-value assets.

Counter-drone system moves from concept to field testing

The testing was conducted with MSI-Defence Systems at a secure site in Norfolk, where its firing technology was integrated with BATS to track threats.

BAE Systems said the trials proved the system’s modular, software-defined approach to countering uncrewed threats. The team also demonstrated the ability to rapidly deploy, dismantle and re-establish BATS in a new location, showing how the system could be repositioned to match operational requirements.

Louise Heywood, head of strategy at BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence business, 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.”

BATS to progress to live counter-drone trials

The test validated data capture and analysis, supporting faster and more accurate responses to uncrewed systems at the test site.

BAE Systems said the system is designed to adapt to changing battlefield conditions by fusing intelligence with rapid decision-making, helping operators detect, identify and respond to drone threats with precision.

Hadyn White, senior military adviser at MSI Defence Systems, said the demonstration showed how different parts of the defence ecosystem could work together to defeat a variety of drone threats.

“We now have a clear way forward to provide an effective defence against drone technologies, which is crucial for modern warfare,” he said.

Following the integration and deployment testing, the BATS programme will move to live trials later this summer. These are expected to incorporate both kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures for the first time.