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Microwaves Or Lasers For Drone Swarms?

Lasers offer precision, while high-power microwaves trade pinpoint aim for the chance to disrupt many vulnerable drones at once.

On this page

  • Single target precision versus group effects
  • Dwell time, tracking, and target count
  • Why layered defenses use both
Preview for Microwaves Or Lasers For Drone Swarms?

Introduction

When a defender faces a large drone swarm, the key question is not simply which directed-energy weapon is more powerful, but which one can handle the greatest number of threats before the swarm overwhelms the defence. In that context, high-power microwaves and lasers solve different problems. Lasers excel at precise, controlled destruction of individual targets. High-power microwaves trade that precision for the ability to affect multiple drones at once by attacking their electronics rather than their structure. The result is not a clear winner but a classic trade-off: lasers are often better for selective engagements, while microwaves become increasingly attractive as target numbers rise. Modern counter-drone planning therefore tends to view them as complementary tools rather than direct replacements. Office of Naval Research+2Air Force Research Laboratory [onr.navy.mil]onr.navy.milOffice of Naval ResearchDirected Energy Weapons: High Power MicrowavesNavy DEWs include systems that use high-energy lasers (HEL) that em…

Laser Tradeoff illustration 1

Single-Target Precision Versus Group Effects

The most visible difference between lasers and high-power microwaves is how they interact with targets.

A laser concentrates energy into a very small spot. To defeat a drone, it typically must remain accurately aimed on a vulnerable point long enough to heat, burn, blind, or structurally damage it. This precision is valuable because the operator can choose exactly which drone to engage and minimise effects on nearby friendly systems. The downside is that each target generally requires its own engagement sequence. [Office of Naval Research]onr.navy.milOffice of Naval ResearchDirected Energy Weapons: High Power MicrowavesNavy DEWs include systems that use high-energy lasers (HEL) that em…

High-power microwaves operate through a different mechanism. Instead of burning through the airframe, they project electromagnetic energy intended to couple into electronics, wiring, antennas, sensors, and control systems. Because microwave beams can cover a larger volume than a laser spot, a single pulse may affect several drones within the illuminated area. AFRL’s THOR programme was developed specifically around this counter-swarm concept, with officials highlighting its effectiveness against groups of drones using a wide beam and rapid retargeting. Air Force Research Laboratory+2Air Force Research Laboratory [afrl.af.mil]afrl.af.milrl conducts swarm technology demonstrationAir Force Research LaboratoryAFRL conducts swarm technology demonstration16 May 2023 — “THOR was exceptionally effective at disabling the…Published: May 2023

This distinction creates a fundamental operational trade-off:

  • Laser advantage: precise, selective engagement and predictable physical damage.
  • Microwave advantage: potential one-to-many effects against clustered drones.
  • Laser limitation: engagement capacity scales roughly with the number of targets.
  • Microwave limitation: effects can be less predictable because they depend on the target’s electronics, orientation, shielding, and susceptibility. [Office of Naval Research]onr.navy.milOffice of Naval ResearchDirected Energy Weapons: High Power MicrowavesNavy DEWs include systems that use high-energy lasers (HEL) that em…

The attraction of microwaves becomes strongest when the attacker’s strategy relies on numbers. A swarm of dozens of inexpensive drones can force a laser-equipped defender into a sequence of many individual engagements, whereas a microwave system seeks to collapse several targets simultaneously. [DroneShield]droneshield.comDrone Shield A Counter to Drone Swarms: High-Power Microwave …Military forces must prioritise a counter to drone swarming tactics withDroneShieldA Counter to Drone Swarms: High-Power Microwave …Military forces must prioritise a counter to drone swarming tactics with wh…

AFRL's THOR Tracks and Disables Drone Swarm

Channel: AFResearchLab

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Dwell Time, Tracking, and Target Count

Swarm defence is often a race against time. The number of targets that can be processed in a given period may matter more than the effectiveness against any single drone.

Lasers generally require three linked actions: detect, track, and dwell. Even with sophisticated tracking systems, the beam usually needs to remain on a target for some period before sufficient damage occurs. If ten drones arrive, the laser may need ten separate engagement windows. If fifty arrive, the challenge becomes much harder. [Calibre Defence]calibredefence.co.ukCalibre DefenceEpirus zaps fibre-optic FPV with Leonidas microwave…January 28, 2026 — 28 Jan 2026 — Lasers defeat one target at a time…Published: January 28, 2026

Microwaves change that equation. A microwave pulse acts on all vulnerable electronics within the beam’s footprint. The defender still needs sensors and fire control, but the weapon does not necessarily have to dedicate an entire engagement cycle to each individual drone. This is why THOR and similar systems are frequently described as counter-swarm rather than merely counter-drone weapons. Air Force Research Laboratory+2Air Force Research Laboratory [afrl.af.mil]afrl.af.milrl conducts swarm technology demonstrationAir Force Research LaboratoryAFRL conducts swarm technology demonstration16 May 2023 — “THOR was exceptionally effective at disabling the…Published: May 2023

Recent industry demonstrations illustrate the appeal. Epirus reported tests in which its Leonidas microwave system defeated large groups of drones, including demonstrations involving dozens of aircraft affected during a single engagement sequence. While company-reported results should be viewed more cautiously than independent operational data, they highlight the central design objective: increasing the number of drones neutralised per shot rather than improving performance against a single target. [Epirus]epirusinc.comTap to unmute.Read moreEpirusEpirus' Leonidas High-Power Microwave Defeats 49-Drone…10 Sept 2025 — Leonidas neutralized 61-of-61 drones, culminating in a 49…

Energy management also influences the comparison. High-energy lasers can face thermal-management constraints during prolonged firing, particularly in demanding environmental conditions. Microwave systems have their own power and cooling requirements, but their value proposition centres on processing multiple targets with a single burst rather than maintaining long dwell times on one object. [Calibre Defence]calibredefence.co.ukCalibre DefenceEpirus zaps fibre-optic FPV with Leonidas microwave…January 28, 2026 — 28 Jan 2026 — Lasers defeat one target at a time…Published: January 28, 2026

Laser Tradeoff illustration 2

Why Precision Still Matters

The swarm advantage of microwaves does not automatically make lasers obsolete.

Many real-world engagements involve mixed airspace rather than a neat formation of hostile drones. Friendly aircraft, civilian infrastructure, birds, or non-hostile unmanned systems may be nearby. In such situations, the laser’s ability to place energy exactly where intended becomes a significant advantage. [Office of Naval Research]onr.navy.milOffice of Naval ResearchDirected Energy Weapons: High Power MicrowavesNavy DEWs include systems that use high-energy lasers (HEL) that em…

A laser also provides a clearer physical defeat mechanism. If sufficient energy reaches the target, structural damage occurs. Microwave effects, by contrast, depend on electronic vulnerability. Some drones may be highly susceptible, while others may incorporate shielding, hardened components, shorter wiring runs, or architectures that reduce electromagnetic coupling. Performance therefore depends not only on the weapon but also on the target’s design. [Office of Naval Research]onr.navy.milOffice of Naval ResearchDirected Energy Weapons: High Power MicrowavesNavy DEWs include systems that use high-energy lasers (HEL) that em…

Another consideration is engagement discrimination. Defenders may want to disable one drone while leaving another untouched. Lasers naturally support that requirement. Microwave systems can be engineered for directional control and selective effects, but they remain fundamentally associated with broader-area engagement concepts. [Epirus]epirusinc.comepirus leonidas demonstrates successful use of high power microwave to defeat fiber optic controlled uasEpirusEpirus' Leonidas Demonstrates Successful Use of High- …Jan 13, 2026 — The Leonidas HPM platform defeats fiber-optic guided drones…

THOR Defeats Swarm With Microwave Weapon

Channel: Global Update

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The Microwave Cannons Built to Stop Drone Swarms

Channel: FIRM.

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Why Layered Defences Use Both

The historical trend in counter-drone development is not toward choosing either lasers or microwaves exclusively. Instead, military programmes increasingly treat them as complementary layers.

A plausible defensive sequence illustrates why:

Laser Tradeoff illustration 3

  1. Sensors detect a large incoming swarm.
  2. A microwave system engages dense groups to reduce overall numbers rapidly.
  3. Surviving drones, stragglers, or particularly dangerous targets are engaged with lasers or other precision systems.
  4. Conventional interceptors remain available for threats that evade directed-energy weapons. DroneShield+2National Defense Magazine

This layered approach reflects the strengths of each technology. Microwaves address the “one-to-many” problem that swarms create. Lasers address the “which specific target must be stopped right now?” problem. Together they offer a broader defensive toolkit than either can provide alone. Office of Naval Research+2Air Force Research Laboratory

The continuing investment in both technologies by the U.S. military and industry suggests that planners do not view the competition as settled. Instead, the emerging consensus is that swarm defence is likely to require both precision effects and area effects. Lasers remain the specialist tool for accurate, controlled engagements. High-power microwaves are being pursued because they promise something lasers struggle to provide: the ability to disrupt many drones at once before sheer numbers overwhelm the defender. USNI News+2National Defense Magazine

Amazon book picks

Further Reading

Books and field guides related to Microwaves Or Lasers For Drone Swarms?. Use these as the next step if you want deeper reading beyond the article.

BookCover for The Kill Chain

The Kill Chain

By Christian Brose

Explains how emerging technologies, autonomous systems, and future air-defense challenges are reshaping military competition.

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BookCover for Army of None

Army of None

By Paul Scharre

Provides essential context for drone swarms, autonomous systems, and the defensive technologies developed to counter them.

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BookCover for Wired for War

Wired for War

By P. W. Singer

Covers the rise of robotic warfare and helps readers understand the operational environment in which drone swarms emerge.

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BookCover for Drone Warfare

Drone Warfare

By Medea Benjamin

Offers broader background on drone operations and the growing strategic importance of counter-drone technologies.

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Browse more on Amazon: The Kill Chain Army of None Wired for War

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Endnotes

  1. Source: news.usni.org
    Title: navy to test microwave anti drone weapon at sea in 2026
    Link: https://news.usni.org/2024/03/27/navy-to-test-microwave-anti-drone-weapon-at-sea-in-2026
    Source snippet

    USNI NewsNavy to Test Microwave Anti-Drone Weapon at Sea in 2026Mar 27, 2024 — The US Navy plans to mount a high-powered microwave protot...

  2. Source: onr.navy.mil
    Link: https://www.onr.navy.mil/organization/departments/code-35/division-353/directed-energy-weapons-high-power-microwaves
    Source snippet

    Office of Naval ResearchDirected Energy Weapons: High Power MicrowavesNavy DEWs include systems that use high-energy lasers (HEL) that em...

  3. Source: afrl.af.mil
    Title: rl conducts swarm technology demonstration
    Link: https://www.afrl.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3396995/afrl-conducts-swarm-technology-demonstration/
    Source snippet

    Air Force Research LaboratoryAFRL conducts swarm technology demonstration16 May 2023 — “THOR was exceptionally effective at disabling the...

    Published: May 2023

  4. Source: afresearchlab.com
    Link: https://afresearchlab.com/counter-swarm-high-power-weapon/
    Source snippet

    It operates from a wall plug and uses energy to disable drones. THOR, a first of its kind system...

  5. Source: nationaldefensemagazine.org
    Title: marines looking to highpower microwave tech to counter drone swarms
    Link: https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2025/4/30/marines-looking-to-highpower-microwave-tech-to-counter-drone-swarms
    Source snippet

    Marines Look to High-Power Microwaves to Counter Drone...Apr 30, 2025 — The Marine Corps is looking to high-power microwave technology t...

  6. Source: calibredefence.co.uk
    Link: https://www.calibredefence.co.uk/epirus-zaps-fibre-optic-fpv-with-leonidas-microwave-weapon/
    Source snippet

    Calibre DefenceEpirus zaps fibre-optic FPV with Leonidas microwave...January 28, 2026 — 28 Jan 2026 — Lasers defeat one target at a time...

    Published: January 28, 2026

  7. Source: epirusinc.com
    Title: Tap to unmute.Read more
    Link: https://www.epirusinc.com/press-releases/epirus-leonidas-high-power-microwave-defeats-49-drone-swarm-100-of-drones-flown-at-live-fire-demonstration
    Source snippet

    EpirusEpirus' Leonidas High-Power Microwave Defeats 49-Drone...10 Sept 2025 — Leonidas neutralized 61-of-61 drones, culminating in a 49...

  8. Source: epirusinc.com
    Link: https://www.epirusinc.com/press-releases/epirus-leonidas-demonstrates-successful-use-of-high-power-microwave-to-defeat-[fiber-optic
    Source snippet

    EpirusEpirus' Leonidas Demonstrates Successful Use of High-...Jan 13, 2026 — The Leonidas HPM platform defeats fiber-optic guided drones...

  9. Source: Wikipedia
    Title: Epirus Leonidas
    Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epirus_Leonidas
    Source snippet

    Epirus LeonidasThe Leonidas is a high-power microwave (HPM) weapon developed to disable unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarms. It was n...

  10. Source: defensescoop.com
    Title: epirus navy hpm microwave antx coastal trident
    Link: https://defensescoop.com/2024/04/04/epirus-navy-hpm-microwave-antx-coastal-trident/
    Source snippet

    Navy to test Epirus high-power microwave's ability to zap...Apr 4, 2024 — The Navy is getting ready to test the ability of Epirus' high...

  11. Source: dvidshub.net
    Link: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/904340/thor-tactical-high-power-operational-responder
    Source snippet

    Thor - Tactical High-power Operational ResponderTHOR is a high power microwave counter-drone weapon that the Air Force Research Lab has d...

Additional References

  1. Source: unmannedairspace.info
    Link: https://www.unmannedairspace.info/counter-uas-systems-and-policies/us-air-force-research-laboratory-demonstrates-anti-drone-swarm-c-uas-technology/
    Source snippet

    US Air Force Research Laboratory demonstrates anti-...“THOR was exceptionally effective at disabling the swarm with its wide beam, high...

  2. Source: twz.com
    Title: marines get their first high power microwave weapon for taking on drone swarms
    Link: https://www.twz.com/land/marines-get-their-first-high-power-microwave-weapon-for-taking-on-drone-swarms
    Source snippet

    Marines Get Their First High Power Microwave Weapon...Apr 29, 2025 — Specifically, HPM weapons use high-frequency radio waves to disrupt...

  3. Source: facebook.com
    Link: https://www.facebook.com/NextGenerationWeapons/posts/us-military-just-tested-a-microwave-weapon-that-instantly-zapped-an-entire-swarm/1211272081027081/
    Source snippet

    Missiles are effective but costly. Lasers must track one target at a time. Interceptor drones and nets can...Read more...

  4. Source: tomshardware.com
    Title: Tom’s Hardware High-power microwave system downs 49 drones in [one shot]({{ ‘one-shot/’ | relative_url }})
    Link: https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/high-power-microwave-system-downs-49-drones-in-one-shot-weaponized-electromagnetic-interference-erases-drone-swarms-en-masse
    Source snippet

    electronics warfare company, successfully demonstrated a major advancement in counter-drone technology with its Leonidas high-power micro...

  5. Source: facebook.com
    Title: demonstrating a powerful new approach to counter-drone
    Link: https://www.facebook.com/engineeringpost1/posts/military-researchers-in-the-united-states-are-developing-high-power-microwave-we/1554576976668583/
    Source snippet

    High-power Operational Responder (THOR). Unlike lasers, THOR uses high-power microwaves to: 1. Disable electronics inside drones 2. Affec...

  6. Source: reddit.com
    Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/TankPorn/comments/1h3dyft/stryker_leonidas_armed_with_highpower_microwave/
    Source snippet

    nti-aircraft gun since electricity is cheaper than physical...Read more...

  7. Source: facebook.com
    Title: Meet THOR, the Air Force Research Laboratory
    Link: https://www.facebook.com/ArmedWithScience/videos/meet-thor-a-counter-drone-weapon/907504010708144/
    Source snippet

    AFRL's...Thor is a high-power microwave counter drone weapon that the Air Force Research Lab has demonstrated for effectiveness against...

  8. Source: facebook.com
    Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/775801081313358/posts/1060525059507624/
    Source snippet

    an disable drones, missiles, aircraft electronics—even...Read more...

  9. Source: potomacofficersclub.com
    Title: The lab also shared that THOR can be
    Link: https://www.potomacofficersclub.com/afrl-demonstrates-microwave-powered-defense-system-against-drone-swarms/
    Source snippet

    AFRL Demonstrates Microwave-Powered Defense System...23 May 2023 — The AFRL said THOR generates HPM pulses and discharges the energy to...

    Published: May 2023

  10. Source: airandspaceforces.com
    Title: An April 5 demonstration
    Link: https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-forces-thor-drone-swarm-demo/
    Source snippet

    Air & Space Forces MagazineTHOR Hammers Drone Swarm with High-Power Microwaves19 May 2023 — THOR uses bursts of high-power microwave ener...

    Published: May 2023

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