Pentagon Selects Lasers and Microwave to Defend Bases from Drones

The Pentagon has selected four directed-energy weapons to protect U.S. military bases against drone threats for the upcoming year. The chosen systems include high-energy lasers from AeroVironment, Kord, and Boeing, along with Epirus’ Leonidas, a high-power microwave designed to disable drone swarms. The Department of War announced the selections on October 5 for a pilot program led by Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF 401), which will deploy the weapons at five bases across the country for 365 days.

The lasers selected are AeroVironment’s Palletized High-Energy Laser, Kord’s Firefly, and Boeing’s Compact Laser Weapon System. Epirus’ Leonidas stands out as the only microwave system capable of taking down entire drone swarms with a single pulse. The program aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency of these weapons, with JIATF 401 director Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross expressing skepticism about the industry’s pricing claims.

Safety concerns remain a focal point, particularly regarding the FAA’s assessment of these systems. While the FAA has cleared AeroVironment’s laser as safe, no such clearance has been announced for the other three weapons. The Pentagon plans to host a directed-energy shoot-off in December to test additional systems, with potential for immediate procurement of top performers.

The pilot program’s success hinges on resolving coordination issues with the FAA and ensuring the safety of civilian aircraft near military bases. The Pentagon’s previous missteps, such as shooting down a Customs and Border Protection drone due to poor coordination, highlight the need for careful implementation.