THOR evolves into Mjölnir to hammer drones
The Mjölnir C-UAS system developed in the US will use the same technology as its predecessor THOR. (Image: AFRL)
Leidos is working on a new prototype C-UAS solution called Mjölnir, which harnesses a high-power microwave weapon to defeat drones.
The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has selected Leidos to develop a $26 million prototype C-UAS system called Mjölnir, to feature an advanced high-power microwave (HPM) weapon.
Delivery of the prototype is planned for Q1 2023.
The prototype system will be derived from the Tactical High-Power Operational Responder (THOR) C-UAS technology demonstrator, the AFRL noted in a 25 February announcement. The technology will be the same but Mjölnir (named after the hammer of Thor in Norse mythology) ‘will add important advances in capability, reliability, and manufacturing readiness’.
THOR has been tested operationally at an undisclosed African location where it used bursts of intense radio waves to disable sUAS ‘instantly’, the AFRL stated.
Lessons learned from these operational tests will define the new requirements for Mjölnir ‘and will be the baseline configuration for future systems to be deployed around the world’, said Adrian Lucero, THOR programme manager at the AFRL Directed Energy Directorate in Kirtland AFB.
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![March land forces roundup: A new war confronts the old drone problem]()
March land forces roundup: A new war confronts the old drone problem
The attack by the US and Israel on Iran which began at the end of February presented a Ukraine-like scenario of drone-led warfare – in fact the same drone type in the Shahed – and the problem of how to counter them.
-
![New US$1.4 billion package to boost Canada’s defence capabilities]()
New US$1.4 billion package to boost Canada’s defence capabilities
The Canadian defence department has outlined major investments in ISR solutions, small arms and ammunition production capabilities as the country pushes for greater self-reliance to bolster its forces and its supply chain.
-
![The overlooked ally: Canadian support for Ukraine surpasses some European partners]()
The overlooked ally: Canadian support for Ukraine surpasses some European partners
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Canada has committed more military assistance than France in terms of GDP.
-
![France mulls new turret options to increase its VBCI IFV’s firepower]()
France mulls new turret options to increase its VBCI IFV’s firepower
The proposed enhancements could better position the French Army’s armoured infantry fighting vehicle for future export campaigns.
-
![US Army moves towards calls for bids for medium UGV as competitors warm up]()
US Army moves towards calls for bids for medium UGV as competitors warm up
The US Army’s Medium Modular Equipment Transport Trailer (M-METT) programme is planned to provide a platform between Increment II of Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport and the Palletized Load System.
