Archive · 25 Aug 2026
US Plans Year-Long Test of Laser and Microwave Drone Weapons
The US military wants to test new weapons that can stop drones.
The weapons use powerful lasers or microwaves.
Earlier tests showed that both systems could destroy or disable drones.
Now, soldiers will operate the systems at a military base for one full year.
They will check how much electricity the weapons need and how often they need repairs.
They will also see how much the systems cost to run.
The military wants the weapons to work without stopping normal flights near the base.
Officials say drones can help people but can also be used in harmful ways.
The US military plans a 365-day operational test of high-energy lasers and high-power microwaves against hostile drones.
Service members will operate and maintain the systems at a military installation during the trial.
Officials will assess reliability, power needs, maintenance, operating costs and system availability.
The test will examine whether the weapons can function without disrupting base operations or airspace.
Results will help compare directed-energy weapons with conventional counter-drone methods.
- Who
- The US military, including service members and officials from the Army, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Homeland Security.
- What
- A 365-day operational test of high-energy lasers and high-power microwaves designed to defeat hostile drones.
- When
- The test is planned to last 365 days; the articles do not provide a start date.
- Where
- At a military installation; the specific location was not identified.
- Why
- To determine whether directed-energy weapons can reliably operate in real conditions and compare their cost and effectiveness with conventional counter-drone methods.
- Test duration
- 365 days
- Technologies
- High-energy lasers and high-power microwaves
- Operators
- Service members will operate and maintain the systems
- Evaluation areas
- Power requirements, maintenance, operating costs and availability
- Operational concern
- Avoiding disruption to essential base operations and airspace
- Prior results
- Tests showed both technologies could destroy or disable drones
- Broader context
- Drone use in Ukraine and other conflicts has increased international interest in counter-drone systems