Washington, August 25: The U.S. Army is gearing up to neutralize enemy drones using advanced technologies. A senior official revealed plans for a year-long operational test of high-energy laser and high-power microwave systems.
Brigadier General Matt Ross, director of the Joint Interagency Task Force 401, stated that these systems will be deployed at a military base, where soldiers will operate and maintain them for 365 days.
The objective of this test is to determine if these directed-energy weapons can be reliably used without disrupting essential operations at military installations or affecting nearby airspace.
During a media briefing, Ross described the initiative as a “directed-energy pilot project.” He noted that while the term ‘directed energy’ encompasses various new technologies, the current focus is on high-energy lasers and high-power microwaves.
Initial tests have already demonstrated that both technologies can destroy or disable drones. The next step is to evaluate their performance under real-world conditions over extended periods.
Ross emphasized that the Army has multiple systems and has proven their effectiveness. Both high-energy lasers and high-power microwaves can halt drones. However, understanding how to successfully implement them in actual military operations remains crucial.
This pilot project will also assess the power requirements of these systems, maintenance costs, operational expenses, and the number of days they remain fully operational throughout the year. Officials will also monitor how often and when expert personnel will be needed for repairs or technical support.
Ross expressed the desire for these systems to be installed at a military base, allowing soldiers to operate, utilize, and maintain them. He aims to understand the power needs over 365 days, how many days they are fully operational, and how often they require repairs.
Based on the insights gained from this test, the Army will be able to compare the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of these directed-energy systems against traditional methods for downing drones.
Ross highlighted the necessity for the Army to develop strategies and procedures that enable the use of these weapons without disrupting normal air traffic around military bases. He stated, “I don’t want airspace to be closed during the use of these systems.”
Steve Willoughby, an official from the Department of Homeland Security, noted that drones have become invaluable tools for public safety and government agencies, but they can also be misused.
He remarked that drones enhance safety, protect assets, save lives, and provide more efficient operations with fewer resources, which is crucial in the current governmental landscape. However, the challenge lies in promoting the positive use of drones while preventing their misuse.
According to officials, the functions of these systems include threat prevention, preparation, drone identification, neutralization, explosive safety, forensic investigation, intelligence gathering, and inspections.
The rising use of relatively inexpensive unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in Ukraine and other conflicts has sparked a growing interest in anti-drone technologies worldwide.
Laser systems can target one objective at a time, while high-power microwave systems can disrupt or disable the electronic systems of multiple drones simultaneously.
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