Pentagon evaluates directed-energy weapons to counter drone swarms at domestic test range

The short version

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth observed tests of high-power microwave and laser weapons at White Sands Missile Range in June.[Scientific American]
• A microwave prototype based on Epirus's Leonidas system downed a swarm of 12 drones, and Hegseth used the LOCUST laser to destroy a target drone.[Scientific American]
• The Pentagon's Joint Interagency Task Force 401 has chosen five domestic military bases to conduct a directed-energy pilot program.[Scientific American]
• Prior domestic deployments of directed energy led to misidentifications, including strikes on a suspected party balloon and a border patrol drone.[Scientific American]

Key facts

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attended a June demonstration at White Sands Missile Range featuring directed-energy weapons designed to defeat drones.[Scientific American]
• An Army prototype utilizing Epirus's Leonidas system downed a swarm of 12 drones during the testing.[Scientific American]
• Hegseth operated the LOCUST laser system to disable an aerial drone.[Scientific American]
• The Department of Defense established Joint Interagency Task Force 401 in August 2025 to develop counterdrone technology.[Scientific American]
• Five U.S. military installations across Arizona, Texas, Washington State, North Dakota, and Missouri were chosen for a directed-energy pilot initiative.[Scientific American]
• Defense contractor Leonardo DRS integrated LOCUST into a Stryker armored vehicle equipped with drone detection and tracking systems.[Scientific American]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• The Pentagon tests lasers and microwaves against drone swarmsScientific American metered