Pentagon Launches Pilot Program for Directed Energy Systems to Counter Drones
The Pentagon's counter-drone task force has announced a pilot program to deploy directed energy systems for unmanned aerial system (UAS) defense at five military installations across the United States. The initiative, led by Joint Interagency Task Force 401, aims to protect infrastructure and military sites from the growing threat of drones. The selected installations include Fort Huachuca in Arizona, Fort Bliss in Texas, Naval Base Kitsap in Washington, Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota, and Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. The program will focus on fielding high-energy lasers and microwave systems, which are considered effective for homeland defense due to their ability to neutralize drones without causing collateral damage. 
