Within Electronics Risk
When the Beam Hits More Than the Drone
Wide-area microwave effects can reach radios, sensors, vehicles and cables that were never meant to be targeted.
On this page
- Main beam, sidelobe and reflection hazards
- Why cables, antennas and seams matter
- What makes one device fail while another survives
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Introduction
High-power microwave (HPM) weapons are often described as tools that disable drones by overwhelming their electronics rather than physically destroying them. The same mechanism that makes them effective against unmanned systems, however, creates a persistent risk for nearby friendly equipment. Microwave energy does not recognise ownership. If a radio, sensor, vehicle computer or communications link presents a suitable path for energy to enter, it may experience disruption even when it was never intended to be a target. The challenge is not simply whether microwave energy is present, but how that energy couples into electronic systems through antennas, cables, seams and other conductive structures. Wider-beam microwave systems are particularly relevant because they can affect multiple assets within an area rather than a single point target. [GAO]gao.govgao 23 106717Science & Tech Spotlight: Directed Energy Weapons25 May 2023 — For example, wider beam DEWs, such as high power microwave or millimete…
Within the broader discussion of collateral effects from directed energy weapons, microwave spillover is best understood as a problem of unintended electromagnetic coupling. A friendly system does not need to sit directly in the centre of the beam to be affected. Exposure can arrive through the main beam, through weaker sidelobes, or through reflections from nearby surfaces that redirect energy into vulnerable electronics. [GAO]gao.govgao 23 106717Science & Tech Spotlight: Directed Energy Weapons25 May 2023 — For example, wider beam DEWs, such as high power microwave or millimete…
When the Beam Hits More Than the Drone
The popular image of a directed-energy weapon is a tightly controlled beam striking a single target. High-power microwave systems are often less selective. Many are designed specifically to cover a volume of space large enough to engage multiple drones at once. That broad-area effect is operationally attractive, but it means friendly electronics located within or near the illuminated region may also be exposed. The US Government Accountability Office notes that wider-beam microwave and millimetre-wave directed-energy weapons can affect assets in an area “whether friend or foe”. [GAO]gao.govgao 23 106717Science & Tech Spotlight: Directed Energy Weapons25 May 2023 — For example, wider beam DEWs, such as high power microwave or millimete…
The consequences of exposure can vary widely:
- Temporary communication interruptions.
- Software crashes or processor resets.
- Sensor errors and corrupted data.
- Navigation system degradation.
- Permanent damage to vulnerable electronic components.
- Latent damage that reduces reliability without causing immediate failure. [Everything RF+2OSTI.gov]everythingrf.comWhen exposed to high-field-strength…Read more…
Importantly, microwave effects often occur before obvious physical damage appears. A device may simply stop working correctly, reboot unexpectedly or begin producing incorrect outputs.
Main Beam, Sidelobe and Reflection Hazards
The Main Beam
The highest energy density is normally found in the main beam. Electronics directly exposed to this region receive the greatest electromagnetic stress and therefore face the highest probability of disruption or damage. Counter-drone microwave systems intentionally exploit this effect by flooding a target volume with energy that couples into drone electronics. [Defence Finance Monitor]defencefinancemonitor.comnon kinetic counter uas with highDefence Finance MonitorNon-Kinetic Counter-UAS with High Power Microwave8 Dec 2025 — HPM systems work by emitting powerful pulses of radi…
For friendly forces, the danger arises when communications equipment, vehicles or sensors share the same line of sight as the target area. Even equipment positioned behind the intended target may still remain within the beam path.
Sidelobes and Beam Imperfections
Real antennas do not produce perfect beams. Energy leaks into secondary lobes surrounding the main beam. These sidelobes are weaker but can still matter when equipment is sensitive, nearby, or connected to long conductive structures that efficiently collect microwave energy. In practice, spillover risk depends not only on beam power but also on antenna design, geometry and distance. [ResearchGate]researchgate.netSusceptibility of Electronic Systems to High-Power…A substantial body of experimental studies has demonstrated that HPM ca…
Reflections from the Environment
Microwave energy can reflect from metallic structures, vehicles, buildings, ships, fences and other conductive surfaces. A friendly system located outside the direct beam may therefore receive energy through indirect paths. Urban environments and dense military installations can create particularly complex electromagnetic conditions because multiple reflective surfaces may redirect energy into unexpected locations. The Navy has highlighted the potential utility of microwave systems in congested environments, but those same environments also contain numerous potential reflection paths and exposed electronic systems. [Office of Naval Research]navy.milOffice of Naval Research Directed Energy Weapons: High Power Microwaves Directed energy HPM provides the U.SNavy many benefits including speed of light attack, deep magazines and modest electrical power from the host platform.Read more
Why Cables, Antennas and Seams Matter
The severity of spillover effects depends less on the external field alone than on how effectively that field enters a device.
Electronic equipment is rarely a perfectly sealed electromagnetic box. Every antenna, cable, connector, ventilation opening and enclosure seam can become an entry point. Researchers studying HPM susceptibility consistently identify two broad coupling routes: energy entering through intended receiving structures such as antennas, and energy entering through unintended pathways such as cables or structural openings. [ResearchGate]researchgate.netSusceptibility of Electronic Systems to High-Power…A substantial body of experimental studies has demonstrated that HPM ca…
Antennas: The Most Obvious Entry Route
Radios, radar receivers, satellite terminals and other communication systems are designed to receive electromagnetic signals. That makes antennas particularly efficient collectors of microwave energy. Experimental work on HPM susceptibility has shown that energy can enter directly through the antenna port and travel into sensitive receiver electronics, a process often called “front-door coupling”. [ResearchGate]researchgate.netSusceptibility of Electronic Systems to High-Power…A substantial body of experimental studies has demonstrated that HPM ca…
This creates an awkward paradox. The systems most important for communication and situational awareness are often among the most exposed because they intentionally connect the outside electromagnetic environment to delicate internal electronics.
Cables as Unintended Antennas
Power cables, data cables and wiring harnesses can act as accidental antennas. When immersed in a strong electromagnetic field, they can collect energy and conduct induced currents into equipment that might otherwise have been relatively protected. Studies of electromagnetic pulse and microwave effects repeatedly describe cables and wiring as major coupling pathways capable of transporting damaging voltages into electronic systems. [Waru University+2EMPCommission.org]waru.eduEMP OverviewMan-made EMP (Weapons)… POWER (cable). CURRENT. ELECTRONIC SYSTEM. UNINTENTIONAL ANTENNA. CURREN. T. GROUNDING.Read more…
The vulnerability of a device therefore depends not only on the electronics themselves but also on the physical layout of the connected wiring.
Gaps, Seams and Openings
Shielded enclosures reduce exposure, but practical systems contain unavoidable openings for cooling, maintenance and connectivity. Microwave energy can penetrate through seams, vents and imperfect shielding, particularly when dimensions happen to interact strongly with the incoming frequency. Once energy enters the enclosure, local field concentrations can develop around sensitive components. [Everything RF]everythingrf.comWhen exposed to high-field-strength…Read more…
What Makes One Device Fail While Another Survives?
A common misconception is that microwave exposure produces uniform effects. In reality, two devices sitting side by side can experience very different outcomes.
Several factors influence susceptibility:
- Frequency matching: Some structures couple energy efficiently only at particular frequencies.
- Orientation: Rotating an antenna or cable relative to the incoming field can significantly change the amount of energy collected.
- Shielding quality: Small differences in enclosure design can alter vulnerability.
- Cable length and routing: Certain cable geometries become especially effective collectors of energy.
- Component technology: Modern semiconductor devices can be highly sensitive to transient overvoltages.
- Grounding and filtering: Well-designed protection measures may prevent energy from reaching critical circuits. [doiSerbia+3ResearchGate+3OSTI.gov]researchgate.netSusceptibility of Electronic Systems to High-Power…A substantial body of experimental studies has demonstrated that HPM ca…
Because these factors interact, predicting exact effects can be difficult. One radio may continue operating normally while an apparently identical system experiences a reset or component failure.
Failure Is Not Always Permanent
Microwave spillover can produce several distinct classes of effect.
At the lower end are transient upsets. A processor may reboot, a sensor may output incorrect data, or a communications link may temporarily drop. Once exposure ends, the system may recover automatically. At higher field strengths, induced voltages and currents can exceed semiconductor limits, causing permanent degradation or outright destruction of components. Between these extremes lies a grey zone in which devices appear functional but suffer reduced reliability due to cumulative stress. [Everything RF+2OSTI.gov]everythingrf.comWhen exposed to high-field-strength…Read more…
This distinction matters operationally. A brief communications interruption during a counter-drone engagement may be inconvenient. A permanent loss of command-and-control systems could be far more serious than the original drone threat.
Why Spillover Remains an Operational Challenge
Microwave counter-drone systems derive much of their value from wide-area electronic effects. Yet those same effects make friendly-electronics protection a central planning problem. Operators must consider not only the target drone but also the surrounding electromagnetic environment: nearby radios, vehicle networks, radar systems, communications infrastructure and any conductive structures that might provide unintended coupling paths. The challenge is especially acute in modern military formations where almost every platform depends on interconnected electronics. [GAO+2GAO]gao.govgao 23 106717Science & Tech Spotlight: Directed Energy Weapons25 May 2023 — For example, wider beam DEWs, such as high power microwave or millimete…
The key mechanism behind spillover risk is therefore not mysterious beam leakage alone. It is the combination of broad microwave exposure and the countless pathways—antennas, cables, seams and reflective environments—through which electromagnetic energy can find its way into friendly electronics. Once those pathways exist, the beam can affect far more than the drone it was intended to stop. [ResearchGate+2Everything RF]researchgate.netSusceptibility of Electronic Systems to High-Power…A substantial body of experimental studies has demonstrated that HPM ca…
Amazon book picks
Further Reading
Books and field guides related to When the Beam Hits More Than the Drone. Use these as the next step if you want deeper reading beyond the article.
Introduction to electromagnetic compatibility
First published 1992. Subjects: Electronic circuits, Digital electronics, Noise, Shielding (Electricity), Electromagnetic compatibility.
Electromagnetic compatibility engineering
First published 2009. Subjects: Electronic circuits, Noise, Electromagnetic compatibility.
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Endnotes
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Source: gao.gov
Title: gao 23 106717
Link: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-106717Source snippet
Science & Tech Spotlight: Directed Energy Weapons25 May 2023 — For example, wider beam DEWs, such as high power microwave or millimete...
Published: May 2023
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Source: onr.navy.mil
Link: https://www.onr.navy.mil/organization/departments/code-35/division-353/directed-energy-weapons-high-power-[microwavesSource snippet
Navy many benefits including speed of light attack, deep magazines and modest electrical power from the host platform.Read more...
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Source: researchgate.net
Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/3056672_Susceptibility_of_Electronic_Systems_to_High-Power_Microwaves_Summary_of_Test_ExperienceSource snippet
Susceptibility of Electronic Systems to High-Power...A substantial body of experimental studies has demonstrated that HPM ca...
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Source: gao.gov
Link: https://www.gao.gov/assets/830/825926.pdfSource snippet
Directed Energy WeaponsFor example, wider beam DEWs, such as high power microwave or millimeter wave weapons, affect all assets in an are...
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Source: everythingrf.com
Link: https://www.everythingrf.com/community/high-power-microwave-hpm-technology-in-modern-defense-applications-capabilities-challengesSource snippet
When exposed to high-field-strength...Read more...
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Source: osti.gov
Link: https://www.osti.gov/biblio/5634446Source snippet
HPM (high power microwave) testing of electronic...by WC Ng · 1989 · Cited by 1 — This report documents the results of a study of high p...
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Source: researchgate.net
Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270219569The_Impact_of_Radio_Frequency_Directed_Energy_Weapons_RF_DEW_on_the_Modern[BattlefieldSource snippet
This analysis leads to a rough estimate of the likely maximum range of such a weapon.Read more...
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Source: waru.edu
Title: EMP Overview
Link: https://www.waru.edu/sites/default/files/Migrated/CopDocuments/EMP%20Overview.pdfSource snippet
Man-made EMP (Weapons)... POWER (cable). CURRENT. ELECTRONIC SYSTEM. UNINTENTIONAL ANTENNA. CURREN. T. GROUNDING.Read more...
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Source: empcommission.org
Link: https://www.empcommission.org/docs/A2473-EMP_Commission-7MB.pdfSource snippet
ility to produce widespread and long lasting disruption and damage to...Read more...
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Source: gao.gov
Title: gao 23 105868
Link: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-105868Source snippet
Directed Energy Weapons: DOD Should Focus...Apr 17, 2023 — The Department of Defense (DOD) is currently developing directed energy...
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Source: gao.gov
Title: directed energy weapons dod should focus transition planning
Link: https://www.gao.gov/video/directed-energy-weapons-dod-should-focus-transition-planningSource snippet
Directed Energy Weapons DOD Should Focus on Transition PlanningDOD spends about $1 billion annually on directed energy--concentrate...
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Source: researchgate.net
Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235113029_High_Altitude_Electromagnetic_Pulse_HEMP_and_High_Power_Microwave_HPM_Devices_Threat_AssessmentsSource snippet
erload or disrupt at a distance numerous electrical systems and high...Read more...
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Source: researchgate.net
Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/4229403_Research_on_high_power_microwave_weaponsSource snippet
(PDF) Research on high power microwave weaponsOne direction of the study is specifically testing non-lethal microwave weapons to interfer...
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Source: airpower.airforce.gov.au
Title: airforce.gov.au Directed Energy Weapons
Link: https://airpower.airforce.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-03/BPAF03_Directed-Energy-Weapons.pdfSource snippet
(DIRCM)44 system to defend...Read more...
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Source: doiserbia.nb.rs
Link: https://doiserbia.nb.rs/ft.aspx?id=0353-36701604621SSource snippet
Key words:...Read mo...
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Source: defencefinancemonitor.com
Title: non kinetic counter uas with high
Link: https://www.defencefinancemonitor.com/p/non-kinetic-counter-uas-with-highSource snippet
Defence Finance MonitorNon-Kinetic Counter-UAS with High Power Microwave8 Dec 2025 — HPM systems work by emitting powerful pulses of radi...
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Source: science.gc.ca
Title: directed energy weapons
Link: https://science.gc.ca/site/science/en/safeguarding-your-research/guidelines-and-tools-implement-research-security/emerging-technology-trend-cards/directed-energy-weaponsSource snippet
11 Feb 2025 — Directed energy weapons (DEWs) use concentrated energy from electromagnetic or particle technology, rather than kinetic ene...
Additional References
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Source: enercon.com
Link: https://www.enercon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ANS-INTRODUCTION-TO-THE-ELECTROMAGNETIC-PULSE-ISSUE-IN-THE-NUCLEAR-POWER-INDUSTRY.pdfSource snippet
INTRODUCTION TO THE ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE...by R Supler · Cited by 1 — They typically are not designed to protect the electronics from h...
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Link: https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/files.cnas.org/hero/documents/CNAS_Directed_Energy_Weapons_April-2015.pdfSource snippet
DIRECTED-ENERGY WEAPONS:by JD Ellis — Non-nuclear EMP, generated by explosively driven or electrically driven radiofrequency weapons with...
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Source: youtube.com
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1toVupe_R8Source snippet
U.S. Directed Energy Weapons SystemsThe Government Accountability Office explains what are Directed Energy Weapons and takes a look at ho...
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Source: aspistrategist.org.au
Title: war at the speed of light the emerging role of directed energy weapons
Link: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/war-at-the-speed-of-light-the-emerging-role-of-directed-energy-weapons/Source snippet
the emerging role of directed-energy weapons15 Apr 2026 — High-power microwave weapons can be used offensively alongside electromagnetic...
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Source: publications.parliament.uk
Link: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmselect/cmdfence/1552/1552.pdfSource snippet
Earth could create an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) – i.e. a high density electrical field--.Read more...
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Title: health impacts of crowd control weapons directed energy devices
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Health Impacts of Crowd-Control Weapons: Directed...28 Oct 2020 — This technology delivers very high-frequency millimeter-[wavelength]({{ 'wavelengths/' | relative_url }}) ele...
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Source: coherentmarketinsights.com
Title: directed energy weapons in counter drone missile defense 3576
Link: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/blog/aerospace-and-defense/directed-energy-weapons-in-counter-drone-missile-defense-3576Source snippet
Directed Energy Weapons in CounterDrone Missile Defense4 May 2026 — These include energy beams like laser, microwave, or radio frequency...
Published: May 2026
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On July 20, 2008, the Commission presented a report to the House...Read more...
Published: July 20, 2008
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Source: inzpire.com
Title: high power microwaves more than just a hot lunch
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High power microwaves – more than just a hot lunch!3 Mar 2025 — High-power microwaves are an emerging class of directed energy weapons th...
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Source: electronicsforu.com
Title: directed energy weapons high power microwaves
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Directed Energy Weapons: High Power Microwaves4 Oct 2016 — HPM weapons generate an intense blast of microwave energy strong enough to ove...
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