Armed Forces News

Soldiers were able to disable or destroy 45 unmanned aerial vehicles and drones during a March 20 test at the U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence at Fort Sill, Okla. The demonstration proved the viability of the advanced high-power microwave, developed by the Raytheon Corp. During the test, the microwave system ultimately knocked out 33 drones, taking out two or three at a time. Additionally, a Raytheon-built high-energy laser (HEL) system was able to identify, track, engage and destroy 12 airborne Class I and II UAVs. This system also destroyed six stationary mortar rounds.

“The speed and low cost per engagement of directed energy is revolutionary in protecting our troops against drones,” said Raytheon’s Thomas Bussing, who heads the company’s missile-systems department. “We have spent decades perfecting the high-power microwave system, which may soon give our military a significant advantage against this proliferating threat.”

The Air Force Research Laboratory and Raytheon teamed to develop the systems, under a $2 million federal contract.