BATS is a scalable counter-uncrewed threat system developed by BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence business. It is designed to detect, track, identify and defeat hostile drones, providing layered protection for military forces, critical infrastructure and other high-value assets.
The testing was conducted with MSI-Defence Systems at a secure site in Norfolk. The trial integrated MSI-Defence Systems’ firing technology to track threats and helped prove BATS’ modular, software-defined approach to countering uncrewed systems.
“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,” said Louise Heywood, Head of Strategy at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence.
BAE Systems said the test also showed that BATS can be rapidly deployed, dismantled and re-established in a new location. The company said this mobility is intended to help the system keep pace with the demands of the modern battlefield.
The trial validated data capture and analysis functions intended to support quick and accurate responses to uncrewed threats. BAE Systems said the system is designed to adapt as battlefield conditions change by fusing intelligence with rapid decision-making.
“The demonstration successfully showed strong collaboration and illustrated how we can defeat a variety of drone threats by integrating agile technology and expertise from across the defence ecosystem. We now have a clear way forward to provide an effective defence against drone technologies which is crucial for modern warfare,” said Hadyn White, Senior Military Advisor, MSI Defence Systems.
Following the completion of integration and deployment testing, the programme will move into live trials later this summer. Those trials will incorporate kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures for the first time, a step intended to demonstrate how BATS can respond to uncrewed threats in different ways.
