Pentagon selects directed-energy weapons for drone defense pilot

The Pentagon has selected four directed-energy systems for a counter-drone pilot program managed by Joint Interagency Task Force 401. The selection includes three laser systems—AeroVironment’s palletized high-energy laser, Kord’s Firefly, and Boeing’s compact laser weapon—alongside Epirus’ Leonidas, a high-powered microwave system designed to disable drone swarms.

The program was mandated by the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act to protect military installations. Identified host sites for the 365-day pilot include Fort Huachuca in Arizona, Fort Bliss in Texas, Naval Base Kitsap in Washington, Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota, and Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.

While the systems have been named, the Department of War missed a congressional deadline to finalize selections and has not disclosed the total costs. The department is scheduled to hold a directed-energy demonstration at Dugway Proving Ground in Utah this December to evaluate additional technologies.