Raytheon creates a prototype directed energy weapon for the US Army

Raytheon creates a prototype directed energy weapon for the US Army

Kyiv  •  UNN

December 27 2023, 02:07 PM • 21915 views

Raytheon is developing a directed energy weapon for the US military to disable electronics, with prototypes expected in 2024 and 2026 under a $31.3 million contract.

The US Air Force and Navy have asked Raytheon to design, build and test Raytheon to design, build, and test systems that would "ignite" enemy electronic components, that would "set fire" to enemy electronic components using energy explosions. Defense News Defense News reports, according to UNN.

Details

The company plans to deliver prototypes for the Advanced Electromagnetic Neutralization and Defeat of Directed Energy, or DEFEND, program in 2024 and 2026, the company said. fiscal years, according to the article. The cost of the of the three-year contract is estimated at $31.3 million. dollars.

It is noted that in fact systems will actually "set fire" to the enemy's electronic components using energy explosions. According to the company, the prototypes will be durable and transportable to be used on the front line against "airborne threats".

The new versions of Raytheon's powerful microwave systems are cost-effective and reliable solutions that operate at the speed of light, enabling our warfighters to defend against faster and more agile threats,

- the statement said.

Addendum

Raytheon has previously developed the CHIMERA system, a counter-electronic high-powered microwave system for the protection of air bases with an extended radius of action. As noted, the prototype directed energy weapon will be based on this development.

Recall

On December 22, President Biden signed the US defense budget for 2024 in the amount of $886.3 billion, including $800 million to help Ukraine.