Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 1 hr ago
BAE Systems unveils microwave and artillery systems to counter drone attacks
BAE Systems has unveiled two weapons intended to help the US Army respond to mass drone attacks.
The first uses high-power microwave energy to target groups of drones, without firing conventional ammunition.
It can keep engaging threats while it has power, reducing the need to replace spent missiles.
The second system is an air-transportable artillery platform that can fire guided projectiles at aerial threats and targets on the ground.
Together, the systems offer different ways to defend against attacks and could help avoid relying only on limited supplies of missile interceptors.
BAE says the microwave system has been tested outdoors, but its announcement does not mean the Army has adopted either system for operational use.
Their future role depends on further development, testing and procurement decisions.
BAE Systems unveiled two air defense technologies at the Association of the United States Army 2026 exhibition to help counter mass drone attacks.
The High Power Microwave system uses electromagnetic energy to target groups of drones without conventional ammunition.
The Multi-Domain Artillery Cannon System fires precision-guided projectiles at aerial and ground targets.
BAE says the microwave system has reached Technology Readiness Level 6 and has undergone outdoor range testing.
The announcement does not mean the US Army has adopted either system for operational service.
- Who
- BAE Systems unveiled the technologies for the US Army.
- What
- The company presented a high-power microwave system and an artillery platform intended to counter drone attacks and engage other targets.
- When
- At the Association of the United States Army 2026 exhibition.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- To offer ways to counter mass drone attacks without relying entirely on conventional missiles.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Microwave system
- High Power Microwave (HPM)
- Artillery system
- Multi-Domain Artillery Cannon System (MDACS)
- Readiness level
- Technology Readiness Level 6
- HPM components
- More than 99 percent commercial off-the-shelf components
- Ground-target munition
- Scorpio-XR, which BAE says doubles the range of existing precision-guided projectiles launched from 155 mm cannons
What people are saying
move mature technology toward operational use faster
Sources
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