The Pentagon has selected four directed-energy counter-drone systems for an operational pilot at U.S. military installations, combining laser and microwave weapons to strengthen homeland defense against unmanned aircraft. The effort will assess how AeroVironment, Epirus, Kord, and Boeing systems perform, cost, and sustain under operational conditions while supporting layered air defense. The Joint Interagency Task Force 401 pilot will evaluate the AeroVironment Palletized High-Energy Laser, Epirus Leonidas High-Powered Microwave system, Kord Firefly High-Energy Laser, and Boeing Compact Laser Weapon System at U.S. military sites. The systems will be tested for operational performance, sustainment demands, and cost, with the broader objective of determining how directed-energy weapons can complement existing air-defense layers against drone threats. Read more.
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| AeroVironment LOCUST high-energy laser system mounted on a tactical vehicle for counter-UAS operations against small unmanned aircraft. (Picture source: AeroVironment) |