US Army to test high-power microwave weapon that shoots drones while driving at full speed

The U.S. Army has awarded ThinKom Solutions a prototype contract worth up to $49 million to develop and test a mobile high-power microwave system for countering drones. Announced on August 19, 2026, the deal will fund testing of ThinKom’s Alecto system, which is built to target unmanned aircraft from a moving vehicle. The Army’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive Fires and its Program Manager for Advanced Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Effects (PM ACE) are managing the project. The first round of funding will pay for one of the four prototypes the Army wants, and field testing is set for 2027. A microwave weapon for moving forces The firm will supply the Alecto system as a high-power microwave effector under the agreement. The system will be combined with sensors, fire-control gear, and a mobile platform chosen by the government. Alecto uses ThinKom’s patented VICTS antenna technology to send high-power electromagnetic energy at drone targets. The company says this system offers a non-kinetic way to stop Group 1 and Group 2 unmanned aircraft. The system is also designed for “fire-on-the-move” use. This means it can stay active while the vehicle is moving, which helps Army units respond to drone threats without having to stop. Army to test four prototype systems The $49 million agreement has a ceiling rather than a guaranteed procurement value. Initial funding applies to one prototype, while the broader effort calls for four prototypes. Government teams will handle integration, testing, and evaluation of the system. The results will help the Army determine how the technology performs against emerging unmanned aircraft threats and whether it could support future requirements. The agreement does not authorize production. It also does not commit the Army to purchasing a specific number of Alecto systems after the prototype phase. Dan Roman, ThinKom’s vice president for electronic warfare and high-power microwave programs, said the growing use of drones is increasing demand for mobile counter-UAS systems. “The rapid proliferation of unmanned aircraft systems is creating an urgent need for mobile and scalable counter-UAS capabilities,” said Dan Roman, ThinKom’s vice president for electronic warfare and high-power microwave programs. “Alecto, enabled by our patented VICTS antenna, is designed to give soldiers a high-capacity and low-cost per-engagement option that can fire while moving and protect against Group 1 and Group 2 drone threats. We are proud to support the Army’s rapid-prototyping efforts and its work to deliver effective capabilities to soldiers.” Field trials planned for 2027 The Army is expected to conduct field testing in 2027 as part of the prototype project. These trials will allow government evaluators to assess Alecto in operational conditions. ThinKom describes Alecto as a high-power microwave system built for counter-UAS missions. Its VICTS antenna forms the core of the system, while the Army-designated sensors and fire-control components will provide the detection and engagement functions needed for the prototype. “Alecto, enabled by our patented VICTS antenna, is designed to give soldiers a high-capacity and low-cost per-engagement option that can fire while moving and protect against Group 1 and Group 2 drone threats,” added Roman. The project comes as military forces face growing numbers of unmanned aircraft on the battlefield. High-power microwave systems offer the Army another approach for dealing with these threats without relying solely on conventional interceptors.The Army’s PAE Fires organization, headquartered at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama, oversees an integrated portfolio covering offensive, defensive, and integrated fires capabilities. Its work supports Army modernization and operational requirements.Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.A versatile writer, Sujita has worked with Mashable Middle East and News Daily 24. When she isn't writing, you can find her glued to the latest web series and movies.