By Jeffrey A. Newman Esq. MBA
Spawned in part of the Ukraine war and the use of drones by the two nations, the impact on military warfare has been remformulated. Operational testing on many new products is heating up and incentives for success include the potential for billions in profits for the winners. Globally, the anti-drone market has also boomed, and now, counter-drone weapons are reshaping the balance of power.
Lockheed Martin has made significant progress in developing and proving the effectiveness of its detection, tracking, and engagement of small UAVs and swarms. The Fortem R30 radar and Lockheed Martin’s advanced track processing algorithms can successfully detect and track a Group 1 UAV. It then cues an IPG Photonics Crossbow Laser Weapon System (LWS) to direct its gimbal toward the target. This and other demos reveal momentum in developing a comprehensive C-UAS solution capable of countering evolving threats which are translating to production towards commercialization.
RTX (Raytheon) was awarded its largest counter-drone contract as part of the Army’s LIDS program. In February, it successfully showcased the capabilities of Coyote® Block 3 Non-Kinetic (NK) during a recent U.S. Army demo. A non-kinetic payload is a military technology designed to neutralize threats or achieve objectives without using physical impact, explosives, or blast effects. Instead, theseuse electromagnetic energy, cyber tools, or directed energy to disable enemy electronics, communication systems, or drones, reducing collateral damage and enabling reusability. The system defeated drone swarms launched during the exercise and demonstrated exceptional launch, flight, intercept, and recovery capabilities. Coyote Block 3NK is a counter-unmanned aircraft system that can loiter and defeat drone swarms using a non-kinetic payload that minimizes the risk of collateral damage. The system can then be recalled and redeployed for additional engagements. Raytheon produces both kinetic and non-kinetic Coyote variants that defeat small to large drone systems at longer ranges and at higher altitudes than similar class effectors.
The new generation of anti-drone weaponry includes electromagnetic anti-UAV systems.. One of the biggest differences between laser devices is that electromagnetic pulse (EMP) devices disable drones by releasing strong electromagnetic signals which burn out their onboard electronics to make them useless.These systems destroy several UAVs simultaneously which makes them work well against flying drone groups. An advanced drone-jamming device fired at an enemy UAV swarm can disable all UAVs simultaneously with a single electromagnetic pulse. The effectiveness of these tools makes them vital components for military drone protection efforts when safeguarding essential infrastructure and military installations. The U.S. is actively deploying high‑energy laser weapons on vehicles and ships (e.g., Army M‑SHORAD/Enduring HEL concepts, Navy HELIOS on destroyers) to burn drones out of the sky at low cost per shot. The C‑UAS Directed Energy Stryker prototype integrates a 20‑30 kW class laser with radar, EO/IR and kinetic weapons, showing live‑fire success against small drones.
Jeffrey Newman, JD, MBA, is a whistleblower lawyer whose firm represents healthcare fraud whistleblowers and whistleblowers reporting violations of export controls, tariff evasion, money laundering, and other WB cases. Mr. Newman and his staff also represent many physician whistleblowers in healthcare fraud cases. Whistleblower laws in the U.S. allow individuals with information about export control violations or tariff fraud to report it under the False Claims Act. The Firm’s website is www.JeffNewmanLaw.com. Attorney Newman can be reached at Jeff@Jeffnewmanlaw.com or at 978-880-4758. For other blogs see: http://JeffNewmanLaw.com
