BAE Systems has moved its Anti Threat System (BATS) into integration and deployment testing, reaching a key development milestone just eight months after work on the counter-drone platform began.
The trials, conducted with Norwich-based MSI-Defence Systems, saw BATS use its fire-control technology to track simulated targets at an undisclosed location, validating the system’s modular, software-defined approach to countering uncrewed threats.
The companies also assessed how quickly BATS could be deployed, dismantled, and repositioned, demonstrating its ability to keep pace with rapidly changing battlefield conditions.
The tests further evaluated how the system combines intelligence data with rapid decision-making to help forces detect, identify, and respond to drone threats.
“The test demonstrated exactly what BATS is designed to achieve — rapid deployment, seamless integration, and the capability for fast, effective response,” said Louise Heywood, Head of Strategy at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence.
“Moving from concept to field-based testing in just eight months is a testament to our expertise and the agility of everyone involved.”
BATS at a Glance
BAE Systems describes BATS as a command-and-control engine designed to identify and defeat uncrewed threats as they emerge.
Once its sensors detect an inbound drone, the system assesses the threat and recommends either a soft-kill or hard-kill response.
BATS keeps human operators in the loop throughout the engagement while recording mission data for post-mission review and analysis.
BAE Systems plans to begin live trials later this year, marking the first time BATS will be tested with both kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures.
