Raytheon high-power microwave system for USAF
Raytheon is to deliver a prototype high-power microwave (HPM) system to the US Air Force under a contract announced on 24 September.
The system will be deployed to troops overseas and used to destroy hostile drones.
The HPM system uses directed energy to defeat hostile drones with a wide beam that can disable multiple targets at one time.
The contract follows a separate contract under which Raytheon will build two prototype high-energy laser (HEL) systems, also to be deployed overseas. The HPM and HEL systems can be used independently or together to challenge UAS threats.
Thomas Bussing, Raytheon Advanced Missile Systems vice president, said: ‘There's more than one way to defeat a drone. We are delivering the world's first defensive directed energy systems that can be used alone or in tandem to defeat enemy drones at the speed of light.’
More from Land Warfare
-
Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up
Romania received its first Cobra MkII 4×4 light tactical armoured vehicles, ordered Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) and VAMTAC light vehicles, and is set to invest billions-of-dollars in infantry fighting vehicles.
-
Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement
The Italian Army operates Pumas in 6×6 and 4×4 configurations but the platforms are ageing and numbers have fallen with obsolescence also being an issue. Any replacement is likely to have a focus on the involvement of local industry.
-
Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand
The VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico or High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) 4×4 by Urovesa is in service with or has been ordered by eight countries, the most recent being Spain this month and Romania last month.
-
CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality
The CV90 is in service with or ordered by ten countries. The agreement between six of these countries is designed to create commonality to provide economies of scale and a reduced training burden.