US advances anti-drone capabilities with new vehicle and microwave systems

The US Army is advancing its anti-drone capabilities through both ground-based vehicle modifications and specialized interceptor drones.

The Army has deployed over 100 M1265A1 Sgt. Stout self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery systems. Built on a Stryker armored vehicle chassis, these units utilize the Reconfigurable Integrated Weapons Platform (RIwP). Through software updates provided by integrator Leonardo DRS, the system can now detect and neutralize Class 1 and 2 drones, including FPV types, expanding its original design focus on Class 3 drones. The hardware includes a 30 mm automatic cannon, an M240 machine gun, and Stinger missile launchers.

In parallel, RTX (Raytheon) has demonstrated the Coyote Block 3 counter-drone. This system is being tested with microwave technology capable of disabling multiple drones in a single flight by overheating their electronics. Unlike previous versions that used fragmentation warheads, this microwave approach aims to destroy drone electronics without traditional explosives. The Coyote drones are designed for low-cost protection of assets like Patriot missile batteries and feature turbojet engines for high-speed interception.