// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Directed Energy Counter-UAS
Directed Energy Counter-UAS systems use focused beams of energy, like high-power lasers or microwaves, to disable or destroy hostile drones. Instead of firing projectiles, they neutralize aerial threats with speed-of-light precision.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A Directed Energy Counter-UAS (DE C-UAS) system is a non-kinetic defense technology that employs high-energy lasers (HEL) or high-power microwaves (HPM) to neutralize unmanned aerial system (UAS) threats. This capability offers a scalable, low-cost-per-shot solution for defeating single or swarm drone attacks by disrupting electronics or inducing structural failure.
BACKGROUND
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 is a United States federal law which specifies the budget, expenditures, and policies of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) for fiscal year 2026. The NDAA is an annual act of Congress that redefines the U.S. military budget.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Laser C-UAS
- HPM C-UAS
- Anti-Drone Laser
- DEW for C-UAS
- Non-Kinetic Drone Defense
- Directed Energy Weapon System
- HELMA
- THOR
USAGE NOTE
This technology is prized for its low cost-per-shot compared to missiles, but its effectiveness can be degraded by atmospheric conditions like fog, rain, and dust.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Directed Energy Counter-UAS.
Develops multiple directed energy C-UAS solutions, including the High-Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) and the Phaser High-Power Microwave (HPM) system, designed to disrupt or destroy drone electronics.
A major developer of laser weapon systems for C-UAS applications. Their systems, like ATHENA, use high-energy lasers to disable or shoot down unmanned aerial threats from significant distances.
A technology company specializing in software-defined directed energy systems. Their Leonidas family of products uses solid-state, high-power microwaves (HPM) to neutralize single drones or entire swarms.
Produces a range of directed energy solutions, including laser-based C-UAS systems. The company integrates high-energy lasers onto military vehicles to provide mobile air defense against drones.
Has developed the Compact Laser Weapons System (CLWS), a portable, high-energy laser designed to acquire, track, and disable unmanned aerial threats with high precision.
The U.S. Air Force's primary scientific research and development center. Its Directed Energy Directorate develops and transitions directed energy technologies, including the THOR system, a high-power microwave weapon for counter-swarm missions.
Offers a suite of C-UAS technologies that includes directed energy components. They develop both radio frequency (RF) and high-power microwave (HPM) systems for drone defeat.
Develops and integrates advanced laser systems for air defense. Their work focuses on creating compact and powerful laser weapons capable of being mounted on aircraft, ships, and ground vehicles to counter UAS threats.