By Johnny Franks, Warrior Editorial Fellow
Raytheon, an RTX business, has embarked upon an ambitious endeavor to enhance the defense mechanisms of the US military apparatus by initiating the development of sophisticated high-power microwave (HPM) antenna systems. This work is the latest manifestation of the Directed Energy Front-line Electromagnetic Neutralization and Defeat (DEFEND) program, which is primarily concentrated on the formulation and execution of advanced non-kinetic defense systems. Raytheon secured a contract amounting to $31.3 million from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division to begin conceptualizing, engineering, and rigorously testing a duo of prototype HPM systems. These prototypes are scheduled for delivery to the US Navy & US Air Force in the years 2024 and 2026, respectively. The primary objective underlying these systems is to harness directed energy to neutralize aerial threats, thereby endowing the United States defense arsenal with a significant technological supremacy.
The history of non-kinetic defense systems within the United States military marks a paradigmatic shift from conventional methods of warfare. These advanced systems encompass a broad spectrum of capabilities, including electronic warfare, cyber operations, and directed energy weapons like high-power microwaves. Originally conceptualized during the Cold War era as instruments for electronic disruption and deception against the Soviet Union, these technologies have undergone extensive evolution. Contemporary manifestations encompass sophisticated cyber warfare tools and the deployment of directed energy for precision engagement with minimal collateral impact. This evolution is emblematic of a broader shift in military strategic thought, accentuating the primacy of precision and the pivotal role of electronic and cyber domains in contemporary conflict theatres.
Raytheon’s involvement in the realm of high-power microwaves extends approximately eight decades into the past, establishing them as a leader in this specialized field. The upcoming systems is said to be a culmination and enhancement of their expertise, building upon precedents such as the Counter-Electronic High Power Microwave Extended Range Air Base Defense (CHIMERA) project. This background underscores Raytheon’s profound proficiency and the progressive evolution of their technological capabilities.
These new HPM systems are designed to embody resilience and portability, rendering them aptly suited for deployment in a myriad of front-line scenarios. The versatility of these systems is of paramount importance, considering the exigencies of adaptable defense solutions in diverse operational theaters. Their portability amalgamated with durability renders them eminently practical for employment across an array of situational contexts.
Colin Whelan, the President of Advanced Technology at Raytheon, emphasized the economic viability and reliability of these nascent high-power microwave systems. Their operational paradigm, functioning at the velocity of light, empowers US forces to effectively counteract threats that are increasingly rapid and elusive. This development signifies a pivotal progression in the domain of non-kinetic defense capabilities.
The development of these systems is taking place in Tucson, Arizona. This project is being conducted in a collaborative environment, synergizing the expertise of the United States Air Force Research Lab, the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, and the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.
Johnny Franks holds an MA in U.S. Foreign Policy & National Security from American University and a BA in Diplomacy & World Affairs from Occidental College. With a specific interest in geopolitical security and military technology, Johnny has primarily focused his research and analysis on the Russia-Ukraine conflict from 2014 onwards. . As part of his MA coursework, Johnny contributed to developing an Arctic defense strategy in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense.
