No missiles, no bullets: US picks 4 weapons to destroy drone swarms at light speed

No missiles, no bullets: US picks 4 new laser, microwave weapons to destroy drone swarms at the speed of light The United States is set to assess four cutting-edge directed energy weapon systems designed specifically for drone defense. Under a new pilot program focused on directed energy, these technologies—prominently high energy lasers and high powered microwaves—will be tested. The goal is to bolster military proficiency by crafting robust counter-drone solutions, showcasing a strategic shift towards innovative approaches to combat emerging aerial threats. 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 weapons use concentrated electromagnetic energy to engage drones. The beam is focused on a specific part of the aircraft, delivering enough heat to damage critical components and potentially destroy the target.The US Army has described directed energy as offering a potentially lower cost per shot and a deeper magazine than conventional kinetic interceptors. End of Article