Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Pentagon Selects Four Laser and Microwave Drone-Defense Systems
The US Department of Defense has chosen four new systems to test against drones.
Two use lasers, and two use powerful microwaves.
The tests will help officials learn how these systems might fit into the country's defenses.
Lasers focus energy on a target, while microwaves can affect a drone's electronic parts.
The Pentagon says these weapons would be one part of a larger defense, not a complete answer by themselves.
A safety review found that a laser system tested in New Mexico posed minimal risk to air traffic.
More systems will be assessed at a separate event in Utah in December.
The Pentagon selected four directed-energy systems for operational testing against drone threats.
The systems are made by AeroVironment, Epirus, Kord and Boeing.
Joint Interagency Task Force 401 will run the pilot to assess how the weapons work operationally.
The FAA found a system tested at White Sands posed minimal risk to the National Airspace System.
A separate evaluation of additional systems is scheduled for December at Dugway Proving Ground.
- Who
- The Pentagon selected systems developed by AeroVironment, Epirus, Kord and Boeing; Joint Interagency Task Force 401 will run the pilot.
- What
- Four high-energy laser and high-powered microwave systems were selected for operational testing against drones.
- When
- The Pentagon announced the selections Monday; an additional shoot-off is scheduled for December.
- Where
- The pilot concerns homeland defense; prior testing took place at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, and the December event is planned for Dugway Proving Ground, Utah.
- Why
- To assess how directed-energy weapons could be integrated into layered defenses against drone threats.
Potential advantages
Limitations and safeguards
Role in drone defense
Potential advantages
Directed-energy systems could add scalable options to a layered defense and complement existing counter-drone capabilities.
Limitations and safeguards
Brig. Gen. Matt Ross said no single technology is a complete solution to the drone threat.
Testing near airspace
Potential advantages
The FAA established a framework for continued coordination after determining the demonstrated system posed minimal risk to the National Airspace System.
Limitations and safeguards
The Pentagon said safety is particularly important when directed-energy systems are tested or potentially operated within US airspace.
- Selected systems
- AeroVironment's Palletised High-Energy Laser; Epirus' Leonidas High-Powered Microwave system; Kord's Firefly High-Energy Laser; Boeing's Compact Laser Weapon System
- Pilot lead
- Joint Interagency Task Force 401
- Weapon types
- High-energy lasers and high-powered microwave systems
- Safety review
- The FAA determined that a system demonstrated at White Sands posed minimal risk to the National Airspace System.
- Next evaluation
- A separate directed-energy shoot-off is scheduled for December at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah.
- Scope
- The four systems are the first selected for the pilot; the Pentagon said it will continue evaluating additional technologies.