US DoD focuses on directed Energy Weapon Systems to counter aerial threats.

The United States Department of Defense is focusing on developing and testing directed energy weapon systems. These technologies include high-energy lasers and high-power microwaves, aimed at countering aerial threats, particularly drone swarms. Key projects in this area include the Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM), the Tactical High-Power Operational Responder (THOR), and the Counter-Electronic High-Power Microwave Extended-Range Air Base Defense (CHIMERA).
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High-Power Microwave Prototype from Epirus (Picture source: US DoD)

IFPC-HPM system

The IFPC-HPM, developed by Epirus, is designed to offer indirect protection against drones by neutralizing swarms using high-power microwaves. The first IFPC-HPM system was delivered to the US Army in November, marking a significant step towards deploying defenses over a wide area.

The Leonidas HPM system, also from Epirus, has been under development for some time. It was previously integrated onto a Stryker vehicle in collaboration with General Dynamics Land Systems and has been refined for the IFPC-HPM program. Specific details about the modifications have not been made public, but improvements in lethality and software-driven capabilities have been noted.

A recent government acceptance test confirmed the system's effectiveness, safety, and compatibility with the Advanced Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) systems. The latest version has been described as the most powerful and precise to date.

THOR system

The Tactical High-Power Operational Responder (THOR) uses high-power microwaves to disable enemy drones and has been tested against a drone swarm. It underwent a real-world test in Africa in 2020, demonstrating its ability to counter complex threats. THOR is a prototype-directed energy weapon that can disable drone electronics and is designed to counter multiple targets quickly. It is housed in a 20-foot-long shipping container, easily transportable by military cargo plane and assembled by two people.

CHIMERA system

Details about the Counter-Electronic High-Power Microwave Extended-Range Air Base Defense (CHIMERA) are limited due to its classified status. Available information suggests that CHIMERA is intended to neutralize electronic threats over an extended range, providing an additional layer of defense.

These systems aim to establish a multi-layered defense capable of countering drone swarms effectively. According to General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, the combination of high-energy lasers for pinpoint defense and high-power microwaves for wider coverage is vital for addressing future aerial threats.

The Department of Defense invests nearly a billion dollars annually in more than thirty directed energy projects, underscoring its commitment to developing advanced technologies. Once fully operational, these weapon systems are expected to enhance anti-drone defense capabilities, protecting deployed troops and critical infrastructure.