US Army to test laser and microwave weapons against drones

The United States Army is preparing a year-long operational test of directed-energy technologies designed to neutralize enemy drones. The pilot project will focus on high-energy lasers 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 is to determine if these weapons can be used reliably in real-world conditions without disrupting essential base operations or affecting the surrounding airspace.

Beyond combat effectiveness, the testing phase will evaluate logistical requirements, including power consumption, maintenance costs, operational expenses, and system readiness. Officials also aim to assess the frequency of technical support and specialized personnel required to keep the systems functional throughout the year.