BAE Systems unveils High Power Microwave system for drone defense

BAE Systems has unveiled its High Power Microwave (HPM) system at the AUSA 2026 exhibition, a directed-energy weapon designed to disrupt or destroy drone electronics. The system is intended to protect critical installations and maneuver forces against massed drone attacks by engaging threats using electromagnetic energy as long as power is available, rather than relying on finite missile supplies.

The HPM system features a modular architecture that supports four distinct configurations: fixed-site installations, towed systems, combat-vehicle integration, and maritime platforms. To ensure rapid production and easier maintenance, the system is American-made and utilizes approximately 99% commercial off-the-shelf components. This approach is intended to shorten lead times and lower costs by leveraging established commercial supply chains.

BAE Systems reported that the technology has reached Technology Readiness Level 6. During outdoor range testing, the system successfully fired billions of microwave pulses to document specific effects on targets. The modular design also allows for adjustments to power output and array size, with different configurations utilizing power sources suited to their specific environments, such as grid power for permanent sites or vehicle power for mobile units.