US Prepares High Microwave Technology That Can Disable Drones

NEW YORK – US Navy is preparing to take a step forward in combating the drone threat by developing an innovative high-powered microwave weapon. Known as Project METEOR, the system is designed to disable drones by emitting powerful beams of electromagnetic energy, effectively frying their electronics.
Expected to debut in early 2026 aboard warships, METEOR offers several advantages over conventional methods of countering drones. This weapon promises:

As reported by IFL Science, low cost per shot: Compared to missiles or bullets, each METEOR shot is much cheaper, making it more cost-effective to deal with a swarm of drones.

High capacity: The system is designed with a “deep magazine”, allowing it to fire multiple rounds in sequence, ideal for fighting multiple drones at once.

Effective range: METEOR has a “tactically significant” range, allowing it to engage drones from a safe distance.

High speed: This weapon is capable of “short time engagement”, enabling rapid reaction to emerging drone threats.
Multi-target capability: METEOR is designed to handle multiple drones simultaneously, making it effective against coordinated attacks.

Double deception and defeat: This system has the ability to confuse and disable multiple drones at once, providing a significant advantage in electronic combat.

Microwave weapons are just one example of the directed energy systems the US military is exploring. This technology includes a wide variety of systems that use electromagnetic energy, lasers, sound waves, and even particle beams to immobilize or destroy targets by non-kinetic means.

The emergence of cheap and easily accessible drones has been a major driver for the development of directed energy systems. These drones present new challenges to traditional militaries, due to their ability to cause significant damage and disruption at relatively low cost.

METEOR and other directed energy systems offer a potential solution to counter this threat, providing a more cost-effective and effective way to neutralize drones on the modern battlefield.

It is important to note that the development of new weapons always raises ethical and legal issues. The use of microwave weapons raises questions about their potential impact on humans and the environment. It is important to conduct careful research and discussion to ensure that this technology is used responsibly and ethically.

Overall, Project METEOR represents a significant step forward in the US Navy’s efforts to counter the drone threat.

These high-powered microwave weapons offer an attractive combination of low cost, high effectiveness, and multi-target capability, making them a valuable tool in fighting modern warfare. However, it is important to remain mindful of the ethical and legal implications of this technology as its development and implementation continues.

(wbs)