The United States Department of Defense has announced the directed energy systems selected for the Joint Interagency Task Force 401’s (JIATF-401) counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) directed energy pilot program. The systems chosen are:
- AeroVironment’s Palletized High-Energy Laser
- Epirus’ Leonidas High-Powered Microwave
- Kord’s Firefly High-Energy Laser
- Boeing’s Compact Laser Weapon
This pilot program aims to test these systems in operational environments, gathering real-time data on requirements, costs, and best practices for integration into U.S. defense missions. JIATF-401 is collaborating with various agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and U.S. Northern Command, to ensure safety and operational efficiency.
In December, the Department of Defense plans to conduct a directed energy “shoot-off” at Dugway Proving Ground to assess additional systems for future operational use.
For additional information, visit the Department of Defense – United States.
The September issue of the 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. It includes over 1,000 C-UAS products and services, updated monthly, providing insights into global C-UAS technical capabilities. For inquiries, contact editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.
