Pentagon Tests Laser and Microwave Weapons as Drone Threat Grows
Pentagon leaders observed laser and microwave weapons tests in New Mexico as the US plans over $2 billion for directed-energy research in the 2027 defense budget.
Pentagon leadership personally attended tests of laser and microwave weapons at a test range in New Mexico for the first time. Axios reported this.
According to the outlet, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Pentagon Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael visited a demonstration of directed-energy systems. The draft US defense budget for fiscal year 2027 includes more than $2 billion for research and development in this area.
Axios notes that such weapons are viewed as a relatively inexpensive way to counter drones, but they have not yet been widely deployed.
During the visit, Pentagon officials reviewed AeroVironment’s 20 kW LOCUST mobile directed-energy system. Earlier, during testing, this system had already shot down several drones from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush.
US President Donald Trump previously said he wanted to equip new battleships with nuclear and non-nuclear missiles, electromagnetic and conventional guns, as well as laser weapons.