The Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) is seeking directed-energy weapons to counter uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), with strong interest in high-energy-laser (HEL) and high-power-microwave (HPM) equipment. As part of a investigative pilot program, the U.S. Department of War (DoW) and its JIATF-401 task force is evaluating the performance of multiple systems, including the Palletized High-Energy Laser system from AeroVironment, the compact laser weapon system (CLWS) from The Boeing Company, the Leonidas High-Powered Microwave system from Epirus (see figure), and the FireflyHigh-Energy Laser system from Kord. 

Concerning directed-energy weapons, U.S. Army Brigadier General Matt Ross, director of JIATF 401, said: “High-energy lasers and high-powered microwave systems are tools that can be effectively used in a layered drone defense.” Regarding the counter-UAS directed-energy pilot program, he noted: “This pilot program will test these capabilities in an operational environment so we can understand how best to integrate and sustain them to defend the homeland.” The pilot program is directed by the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act and will provide real-time data and feedback on the evaluated HEL and HPM systems. JIATF-401 is conducting this pilot program in close coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Northern Command. and the joint forces. 

As Ross noted: “There is no silver bullet, or one size fits all solution to countering the threat of drones. Directed energy gives commanders another option within a layered defense, complementing existing counter-UAS capabilities with a scalable, safe, and effective way to respond to drone threats.” Regarding JIATF-401, he added: “This pilot program will give us vital information in a real-world environment so we can employ these systems to protect the homeland.”