Lasers, High-Power Microwaves Could Help Counter Hostile Drones; Raytheon’s Todd Probert Quoted

Military commanders and civilian air traffic controllers need new technology platforms to help detect and counter rogue drones flying over sports stadiums, airports and military installations.

“This is very fast-moving from a technology standpoint,” Todd Probert, vice president of mission support and modernization at Raytheon‘s intelligence, information and services business, said of drones.

Probert said air traffic controllers and military leaders need the help of those who can help system-engineer a platform to counter the threat posed by unmanned aircraft systems.

Raytheon said lasers and high-power microwave systems have emerged as some of the technology platforms that could help address drone-related threats.

Laser systems can target and burn drones by emitting beams of invisible light, while high-power microwaves can disrupt the control mechanisms of UAS by transmitting a pulse.

Evan Hunt, a director of business development at Raytheon, said militaries have considered other technologies for counter-drone operations, such as the Stinger missile and the Coyote UAS.