Image source: topwar.ru
With the help of systems developed by Raytheon (RTX), the forces of the US Navy and Air Force will use directed energy to fight potential enemy drones and other threats. Work on this project is underway in Tucson (Arizona) on the basis of a three-year contract between the manufacturer and the Naval Surface Warfare Center, the amount of which is $ 31.3 million.
This is reported by The Arizona Daily Star newspaper.
The American defense industry is preparing to supply the troops with the latest DEFEND microwave weapons, which stands for "Advanced electromagnetic neutralization and directed energy destruction program." Raytheon is engaged in the design, assembly and testing of systems. Their principle of operation is that with the help of energy discharges, they burn the electronic components of the enemy's equipment.
- said Raytheon's president of Advanced Technology, Colin Whelan.
It is planned to transfer prototypes to the Navy and the Air Force in 2024 and 2026, respectively. When this happens, then it will be clear how effective such a weapon is.
Image source: topwar.ru
Raytheon has been working on such systems for about ten years. In particular, she created the CHIMERA extended-range anti-electronic microwave air defense system for the American Air Force.