No missiles, no bullets: US picks 4 weapons to destroy drone swarms at light speed
The US Department of War has initiated a pilot program to test four advanced directed energy weapon systems, including lasers and high-powered microwaves. These technologies are designed to provide a cost-effective and rapid defense against the increasing threat of drone swarms.
Why it matters
This shift toward directed energy weapons represents a significant evolution in military defense strategy, potentially reducing reliance on expensive conventional interceptors.
The United States has selected four advanced laser and high powered microwave weapon systems for operational testing as Washington seeks to strengthen its defences against the growing threat posed by drones to military installations and critical infrastructure.According to the US Department of War, the systems will be evaluated under a directed energy pilot programme led by Joint Interagency Task Force 401, which is tasked with developing and coordinating counter drone capabilities for homeland defence.The move marks a shift towards testing directed energy weapons in operational environments rather than relying solely on conventional interceptors.The four systems selected for the pilot programme include AeroVironment’s Palletised High Energy Laser, Epirus’ Leonidas High Powered Microwave system, Kord’s Firefly High Energy Laser and Boeing’s Compact Laser Weapon System.The systems represent two major forms of directed energy technology being explored by the US military to counter unmanned aerial systems.How laser and microwave weapons workHigh energy laser…
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in